5. What may prevent God from answering our prayers? James 4:3.
NOTE: ‘“And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13, 14. A wonderful promise is this, and as sure as it is wonderful, for it is the word of the Lord. Yet there are many who think that they have asked for things in the name of Jesus, and have not received them. That they have asked for things and have not received them is certain. Then the trouble must be that they have not asked in the name of Jesus. And yet they have closed their petitions with the words, “in the name of Jesus.” What is the trouble? The answer will be found in a consideration of what it is to ask in the name of Jesus. The mistake that too many make is to suppose that Jesus meant, by the words which we have just read, to put Himself at the service of every man’s selfish desires; that He meant that whatever their fancy might light upon would be given to them if, in their asking, they would simply use His name. But that this is a mistake, we learn from the words by the apostle James: “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” James 4:3. Selfishness is sin, and the root of all sin; and Christ is not the minister of sin. Therefore His promise does not mean that He will serve as the panderer of the lusts of all who may take His name upon their lips.’ E. J. Waggoner: Present Truth, February 23, 1893.
6. Does God answer our prayers in a niggardly fashion? Ephesians 3:20-12; Philippians 4:19.
NOTE: ‘God has made it our duty to pray. The riches of the universe belong to Him. He has all temporal and spiritual treasures at His command, and can supply every want from His abundant fulness. We receive our breath from Him; every temporal blessing that we enjoy is His gift. We are dependent upon Him not only for temporal blessings, but for grace and strength to keep us from falling under the power of temptation. We daily need the Bread of Life to give us spiritual strength and vigour, just as much as we need food to sustain our physical strength and give us firm muscles. We are compassed with weakness and infirmities, doubts and temptations; but we can come to Jesus in our need, and He will not turn us away empty. He invites, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” This is no doubtful, uncertain promise, but a positive one. If we come to Him, we shall not be disappointed.’ Bible Echo, September 24, 1894.