“Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts.” James 4:2

In my last post, I mentioned that unanswered prayer indicates a problem that must be solved.  The problem can range from the very simple issue of learning to be more specific in prayer to the more complex issue of prayer and spiritual warfare. Today, let’s start on the lower end of the spectrum. If you have not gotten answers to your prayers it may be because your prayers are too vague. You must learn to be specific.

Vague prayers are those that they are either unclear or do not reveal a need.  An example of a vague request would be one of my children were to asking, “Can we have something good for dinner?” I would probably say, “Okay,” and continue what I was doing. Now at dinner time, I might serve risotto with white asparagus which happens to be really good. My child, however, is disappointed because she wanted pizza. The problem is that she was not specific in her request.  Her lack of specificity didn’t give me an opportunity to honor her request. Her failure to reveal her true desire stifled my ability to redirect her thinking about good.  Do you see how praying this way along can hinder answers? 

When you ask God for something He desires to give it to you, but unless the two of you are on one accord you might be disappointed with the outcome. Your ability to be specific in prayer gives God an opportunity to honor your request or change your desire.

Are you ready to get specific? Today, write down two or three things that you have been praying for that you have failed to be specific about. Take the time to get specific and then pray again. Remember if you want a specific answer make a specific request. 

Blessings to you,

MC

P.S. tomorrow I’ll continue with part II.