James - “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously…, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:5-7 NIV)
Our faith is inextricably linked to our prayers. Faith works through our prayers, and our prayers strengthen our faith. As Christians, we can turn to God in prayer and trust that He hears us. When we ask for wisdom, guidance, or help, we can be confident that He will deliver. However, in the scripture above, James cautions us not to come to God in prayer with doubt or wavering faith. When we pray with trust and wholehearted belief, we open ourselves to receive the gifts God has for us. On the other hand, when we pray with skepticism or doubt, we prevent ourselves from experiencing the fullness of God’s grace and blessings. We must pray with faith, otherwise we will not receive an answer to our prayers.
It is important for us to be mindful of our motives when we pray. We should not use prayer as a means of manipulating God to get what we want. Instead, we should come to God humbly and in surrender, trusting that He knows what is best for us. As we pray with a posture of humility, we allow God to work through us and guide us in His will. In prayer, we have the opportunity to draw near to God and deepen our faith. We can lay our burdens at His feet and receive His strength and grace. James writes, “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.” (James 5:14-15 NIV) As we grow in our faith, our prayers become more powerful and effective, and we will witness God’s provision in our lives in new and transformative ways.
We should always strive to be of prayer, approaching God with faith and trust. We should come to Him with all sincerity and humility, seeking His wisdom and guidance for our lives. May our prayers be a reflection of our faith, working through us to transform our hearts and inspire us to walk closer with Him.
Followup Activity - Today, spend some time in prayer, asking God for wisdom in specific areas of your life. Reflect on any doubts or hesitations you may have about your prayer requests. Consider any unbelief or fear that may be hindering your faith, and ask God to help you overcome them. If you’re leading your family through this devotion, lead each member to complete the same activity as shared above.
Prayer for Today - Lord, give me wisdom. Show me any fears of doubts that are hindering my faith and help me to overcome them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.