Topical Encyclopedia
In the Christian doctrine of prayer, the concept of asking amiss is a significant factor in understanding why certain prayers may go unanswered. The Bible provides guidance on the conditions under which prayers are heard and answered by God. One of the key reasons prayers may be denied is when they are asked with wrong motives or intentions, commonly referred to as asking amiss.
Biblical FoundationThe primary scriptural reference for this concept is found in the Epistle of James.
James 4:3 states, "And when you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures." This verse highlights the importance of the heart's intention when approaching God in prayer. It suggests that prayers driven by selfish desires or for personal gain, rather than for the glory of God or the benefit of others, are unlikely to be granted.
Selfish DesiresThe Bible consistently warns against the pursuit of selfish desires. In the context of prayer, such desires can cloud judgment and lead to requests that are not aligned with God's will. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often emphasizes the need for believers to seek God's will above their own. For instance, in
Philippians 2:3-4 , Paul writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Alignment with God's WillA key aspect of effective prayer is aligning one's requests with the will of God. Jesus Himself modeled this in the Lord's Prayer, teaching His disciples to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (
Matthew 6:10). This submission to God's will is crucial in ensuring that prayers are not asked amiss. The Apostle John reinforces this in 1
John 5:14 , stating, "And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us."
The Role of Faith and RighteousnessFaith and righteousness are also integral to receiving answers to prayer.
James 5:16 declares, "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This suggests that a life lived in accordance with God's commandments and a heart full of faith are essential for prayers to be effective. When prayers are asked amiss, it often reflects a lack of faith or a deviation from righteous living.
Warnings Against WorldlinessThe Bible warns against worldliness, which can lead to asking amiss.
James 4:4 cautions, "You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God." This verse underscores the danger of allowing worldly desires to influence one's prayers, as such desires are contrary to the spiritual nature of a relationship with God.
ConclusionThe Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of asking with the right motives in prayer. Prayers that are self-centered, misaligned with God's will, or influenced by worldly desires are unlikely to be answered. Believers are encouraged to seek God's will, live righteously, and approach prayer with humility and faith, ensuring that their requests are not asked amiss.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
James 4:3You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it on your lusts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... When the Arians, who denied the divinity of Christ ... who can doubt that God hears and
answers prayer? ... up so many prayers without receiving answers?" The apostle ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm
God's Sovereignty and Prayer
... love into action but through the direct answers vouchsafed to ... This cannot be denied:
for anyone with any spiritual ... is where the very act of prayer is intended ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter nine gods sovereignty and.htm
The Inwardness of Prayer
... the whole universe as God's act, and answers the beating ... finer (and final) forces,
being unfelt, are denied or decried ... we are in God's presence by prayer we are ...
/.../forsyth/the soul of prayer/chapter i the inwardness of.htm
Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... Answers. ... the circumstance, that even the wishes of unbelievers are not denied; and,
secondly ... to stimulate his true worshippers to more urgent prayer, when they ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm
The Gospel of Luke
... Him were astonished at His understanding and answers." So, too ... their fiery sufferings,
but that this is denied them ... be seen what a prominent place prayer has in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of luke.htm
I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
... Many ask and have not, because they ask amiss; and so are never the nearer the enjoying
of those things they ... While prayer is making, God is searching the heart ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/i will pray with the.htm
Upon the Character of Balaam. Preached the Second Sunday after ...
... of Moab, where he pronounced this solemn prayer or wish ... Balaam answers him, he hath
showed thee, O man ... what we call abandoned; for he absolutely denied to curse ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon vii upon the character.htm
How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... against the Lord," the Holy Spirit answers, "The Lord also ... are Eminent Examples of
Repentance, the Prayer of Manasseh ... when he had through fear denied Him three ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.htm
Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... in the Scriptures, countless divine answers condemning gluttony ... I read such, I have
denied Thee." Dismissed ... be therewith content." [600] Hear the prayer of Jacob ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm
The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... You have killed, yea, 'ye denied the Holy One and ... the gospel, in the first place,
to those of them ... people) the multitude, that they should ask Barabbas, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm
Resources
What is fervent prayer (James 5:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is listening prayer? Are listening prayers biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIs there evidence that God answers prayer? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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