James 4:1-3 ESV
1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
These verses always cause me to not only make sure that I am carrying everything to God in prayer, but to also make sure that I am praying with the right motives. When I am intentional about my asking, I am astounded by the peace God gives me and the answers He brings my way.

Asking puts things into perspective by reminding us that God is in control, cares about our needs and desires to walk with us through our daily lives. There have been times when God’s answers were different from what I prayed for, but I discovered that His way was best. He often chooses a path for us that excludes the quick fixes we sometimes hope for. His path usually involves slower changes that lead to spiritual maturity and deeper intimacy with Him.
It can be tempting to only want what is easiest but trusting God means surrendering to His plan and understanding that through His love and wisdom, we will receive the right answers with the best outcomes.

So true that we want quick fixes but the slower route enables spiritual maturity and growth. May we indeed carry everything to God in prayer and also reflect on our motives for what we take to Him.
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It’s natural to want things fast since we live in a fast world, but I’m glad God teaches us to rise to a higher level. Have a blessed week, Manu!
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A much needed reminder, Dawn. My family has been walking through many difficulties (my dad’s cancer and passing, my mom’s dementia, dealing with my parents’ home, all their accounts and belongings, etc) … and I have surely wanted those quick fixes. Often my prayers have been desperate pleas. Thank you for the reminder to come to The Lord in prayer with the right motives, and to surrender and trust Him with this bumpy road. 🙏🏻♥️
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Continuing to pray for you and your family, my friend. I pray God would bring the needed provision and strength each day and that you sense His love and presence as you go through these difficult times. My Dad died years ago of colon cancer and my mom had developed dementia too so I know it’s hard for you to see her going through that. And handling all the business is a huge task. But He hears your pleas and will answer. Take it one day at a time. God sees and hears all. You’re welcome. ❤️
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I often think of Psalm 37:4- Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.. If I delight myself in the Lord, the desires of my heart will change to become more like what he desires for me.
So good to see you post again little sister 🙂
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Thanks for sharing that verse. It brings so much hope to know as we grow in the Lord, our desires become like His.
Thank you! I’ve been struggling to stick to a set schedule lately. 🤗
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In our Sunday school class, we’ve been talking about conflict among us as Christians and this verse has come up several times in the course of this study. Thanks for sharing
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Sounds like a great discussion your class is having. You’re welcome!
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It is a wonderful blessing we can take everything to the Lord in prayer. Communication with the Lord through prayer allows us to ask, thank, and reflect on what is really important and leads us to spiritual maturity. 🌺
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It is a blessing! Wonderful things happen during times of prayer. Thank you, Jeanne. 🌹
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Within His grace and mercy, we find revelation, His love is our answered prayer!🙏🏽😊
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Amen. Receiving His love changes things. 🙏🏿
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Great message!
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Thank you! God bless you.
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Prayer with the right heart and motives truly opens the door for God’s peace and guidance. It’s amazing how His answers may not always align with our expectations, but they are always what’s best for our growth and His plan for us. Trusting His timing and wisdom leads to true spiritual maturity.
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Amen, Willie. It’s tough when our expectations are different from God’s plan. But I am so thankful that He does what is best for us in every circumstance.
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Amen 🙏🏼🤗
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Sometimes, the Lord wants to teach us patience, and He wants us to wait in His presence. He will come through for us. This is such a powerful reminder.
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Patience is a very important lesson. It doesn’t always feel good but it helps us grow. Thanks Beverley!
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Amen. Blessings Dawn for sharing these encouraging thoughts. In my own walk with God in prayer, He values greater patience and trust on my end of things.
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Patience and trust can be challenging to cultivate at times. Blessings to you Richard and may God strengthen you each day as you walk with Him.
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