In chapter 4 of his letter, James gives us two reasons why prayer is not answered. The first is: you do not have because you do not ask (4:2). So basic, but so true. In many churches, we don’t make much time for prayer; we don’t see it as a necessity for life, let alone a daily source of joy and sanity. The second reason for unanswered prayer is: … you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get … Continue reading Lessons in prayer from James (5)
Lessons in prayer from James (4)
In chapter 1.5-8, James tells us to pray wisdom to know how to mature in Christ using the challenges in our lives. That is an unexpected way to pray about our struggles but James tells us it is a prayer that God is keen to answer. In chapter 3.13-18 he tells us what the wisdom … Continue reading Lessons in prayer from James (4)
Lessons in prayer from James (3)
James points out many gaps in our lives. Gaps between the outward show and the inner reality (1:12-18), our love of God and our respect for people (2:1), our faith and our works (2:14), our words in prayer and our words about and to others (3:1-12). James wants us to work at closing the gaps, but from the examples he gives (2:14-26), we know he is not … Continue reading Lessons in prayer from James (3)
Lessons in prayer from James (2)
In the letter of James, words matter deeply. Words are works that express our character to others and our relationship with God (1:19, 3:1-12). But it is what James calls the ‘implanted word’ (1:21) that is the foundation we build our lives as Christians. The implanted word is the word of God lived out in … Continue reading Lessons in prayer from James (2)
St John’s West Brunswick 