James teaches us a lot about prayer in his letter to the churches. His first point is that we can pray for wisdom from God to deal with the struggles we face in life (1:5). James is confident that God will answer this prayer and that we do not have to be perfect people before God will answer us (see verse 5). What we do need is trust in God to act on the wisdom he gives us and not to second-guess that wisdom because of our inner uncertainties. The word translated as ‘doubt’ in verses 6 and 8 means literally: “two souled”. It is the experience we all know of being at war within ourselves. James says we are to cut through the noise of our inner conflicts and act with trust on the wisdom we receive. 

James says we are to pray for wisdom. Wisdom is not certainty or risk-free guidance or command or detailed instruction. Wisdom begins with trusting God and his ways to help us navigate the complex and competing pressures and options we face. Wisdom from God will bring clarity and a quiet sense of peace (see 3:17). When we have that, then we know our prayer is answered. The challenge is then to live out the wisdom we are given.