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DAY 10 - Lord, Help! (based on the book by Scott Williams)

James writes that we do not have what we ask for because we don’t ask God for it. But do you sometimes feel like you don’t know what to ask? I’ve been there!

When you’re in that situation, the answer is simple: humble yourself, resist the devil, and draw near to God. While drawing close to Him in fasting and prayer, ask Him what to pray. 

Sometimes it’s as simple as “Lord, help!” But here’s an under-represented side of prayer today: stopping long enough to listen and expect an answer from God. 

James uses the example of praying for wisdom. James explains that if we lack wisdom, we can pray and ask God for it—and then we’re to expect an answer! We’re not supposed to be “double minded,” doubting if God will answer or not; we’re supposed to pray specifically—and then wait expectantly. 

Have you ever seen video of the ocean during a storm? When you doubt if God is going to answer, it’s like you’re being tossed back and forth on those stormy waves. You’ll be unsteady and unstable in everything you do.

So how can we know that we’re praying according to God’s will so that He will answer us? Pray the Bible. God put His thoughts, personality, and will for you right in His living Word, and when we pray it back to Him—we set ourselves up to receive His answer.

To use James’ example, you might pray for wisdom. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” 

PRAYER FOCUS: pray, “Lord, I lack wisdom. It says in Your Word that I am to come to You and ask, and You’ll give me wisdom generously without making fun of me. Thank you for giving me wisdom

SCRIPTURE FOCUS: James 4:1-10; James 1:5