2. We must pray with the right
motivations: James 4:1-3 says that
sometimes we don’t have it because we don’t
ask for it. Then there are the times we ask, but
our motivations are impure. God’s does not
promise to fulfill those types of requests.
Sometimes wrong motivations are obvious—
like wanting God to embarrass others because
they’ve offended us. But there are times when
wrong motivations mask themselves as
righteousness. For instance, wanting spiritual
gifts for ego boosting and praise, when it is
meant for the empowerment of the Body!
Some of us want to preach to impress—not to
transform!
motivations: James 4:1-3 says that
sometimes we don’t have it because we don’t
ask for it. Then there are the times we ask, but
our motivations are impure. God’s does not
promise to fulfill those types of requests.
Sometimes wrong motivations are obvious—
like wanting God to embarrass others because
they’ve offended us. But there are times when
wrong motivations mask themselves as
righteousness. For instance, wanting spiritual
gifts for ego boosting and praise, when it is
meant for the empowerment of the Body!
Some of us want to preach to impress—not to
transform!
God’s not obligated to our ego, He is committed to our character. He may very well intend to give
us what we ask, but He’ll prepare us first.
3. We must pray in faith: In James 1:6, we are instructed to ask God in faith! Too many
times, we ask but we don’t really believe He’ll answer. Our unbelief can be rooted in a variety of
reasons from doubting His goodness, to doubting our worthiness.
But, scripture is clear that we can’t doubt. We must take assurance from His Will as expressed in
His Word. God’s character can be trusted!
4. We must be willing to act: Don’t just pray, take action! We can’t sit in the safety zone
expecting God to do everything. We must take risks and apply the disciplines necessary to achieve
our goals by His grace.
For years, I’ve tossed around a dozen ideas for my next book. But, I haven’t even written one line.
But, I still ask God to help me write and sell books that change lives. Reality check—He’s my
inspiration and source, but I’m the typist in this deal! Until I put some works to my faith, my
prayers can’t be answered.
If you’re praying for something, keep praying but take steps to demonstrate your faith in the
process. If you want to meet Mr. Right, get out there so you can be found. If you want to record
an album, go network and believe Him for the contacts.
God is always God, but we have a role to play!
5. We must deal with our sins: Perfection is not a pre-requisite for answered prayer. We can
come boldly before the throne when we understand that Christ’s sacrifice gives us the all access
pass to the throne.
However, we can’t come boldly knowing that we are harboring unforgiveness, lust and bitterness
in our hearts. Our sins will inhibit our faith and ability to receive. Nothing should keep us from
approaching God—but things should change our approach to Him. We must run to Him for the
grace we need to change.
Live It! Think about your last clear instructions in the area you’re seeking direction. Review
the above, which principle applies? Whatever it is, apply it and get to work on creating an
atmosphere for answered prayers.
us what we ask, but He’ll prepare us first.
3. We must pray in faith: In James 1:6, we are instructed to ask God in faith! Too many
times, we ask but we don’t really believe He’ll answer. Our unbelief can be rooted in a variety of
reasons from doubting His goodness, to doubting our worthiness.
But, scripture is clear that we can’t doubt. We must take assurance from His Will as expressed in
His Word. God’s character can be trusted!
4. We must be willing to act: Don’t just pray, take action! We can’t sit in the safety zone
expecting God to do everything. We must take risks and apply the disciplines necessary to achieve
our goals by His grace.
For years, I’ve tossed around a dozen ideas for my next book. But, I haven’t even written one line.
But, I still ask God to help me write and sell books that change lives. Reality check—He’s my
inspiration and source, but I’m the typist in this deal! Until I put some works to my faith, my
prayers can’t be answered.
If you’re praying for something, keep praying but take steps to demonstrate your faith in the
process. If you want to meet Mr. Right, get out there so you can be found. If you want to record
an album, go network and believe Him for the contacts.
God is always God, but we have a role to play!
5. We must deal with our sins: Perfection is not a pre-requisite for answered prayer. We can
come boldly before the throne when we understand that Christ’s sacrifice gives us the all access
pass to the throne.
However, we can’t come boldly knowing that we are harboring unforgiveness, lust and bitterness
in our hearts. Our sins will inhibit our faith and ability to receive. Nothing should keep us from
approaching God—but things should change our approach to Him. We must run to Him for the
grace we need to change.
Live It! Think about your last clear instructions in the area you’re seeking direction. Review
the above, which principle applies? Whatever it is, apply it and get to work on creating an
atmosphere for answered prayers.
But praying and not taking time to listen is like walking away from a real ATM machine without
checking your receipt. I never stopped to check the status of my account! Prayer is a
conversation—we talk, we listen and we respond. When we do all the talking, we miss key
instructions.
Don’t despair. His silence does not represent disinterest. Don’t fear. His reserve does not
represent abandonment. If you’re at your breaking point, weighed down by unanswered prayers—
hang on! God isn’t ignoring you. If your prayers aren’t being answered, there is a reason.
Understanding some guidelines about prayer will help to eliminate frustration and strengthen you
to endure until the answers come. Unanswered prayer is not a sign of an uninterested God. It is
usually a sign of a problem in one of the following areas:
1. Are you in His will? Just because you want it, doesn’t mean it is what God wants for you.
Maybe it is simply a matter of timing. Regardless of which one it is, we have to want God’s will
more than we want our way. Furthermore, we must be willing to accept when God says, “No.”
Believe me, there is a blessing attached to His refusal.
How do we know His will? A good place to start is His Word. When Jesus taught the disciples to
pray, the first thing He taught them was to ask for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done.
We must pray for the things that bring Him glory and honor His character.
Translation: If he’s married to another, he’s not the answer to your singleness. If you have to
compromise to get the job, you’ll end up lying to keep it. He is a God of order and righteous
desires get results!
checking your receipt. I never stopped to check the status of my account! Prayer is a
conversation—we talk, we listen and we respond. When we do all the talking, we miss key
instructions.
Don’t despair. His silence does not represent disinterest. Don’t fear. His reserve does not
represent abandonment. If you’re at your breaking point, weighed down by unanswered prayers—
hang on! God isn’t ignoring you. If your prayers aren’t being answered, there is a reason.
Understanding some guidelines about prayer will help to eliminate frustration and strengthen you
to endure until the answers come. Unanswered prayer is not a sign of an uninterested God. It is
usually a sign of a problem in one of the following areas:
1. Are you in His will? Just because you want it, doesn’t mean it is what God wants for you.
Maybe it is simply a matter of timing. Regardless of which one it is, we have to want God’s will
more than we want our way. Furthermore, we must be willing to accept when God says, “No.”
Believe me, there is a blessing attached to His refusal.
How do we know His will? A good place to start is His Word. When Jesus taught the disciples to
pray, the first thing He taught them was to ask for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done.
We must pray for the things that bring Him glory and honor His character.
Translation: If he’s married to another, he’s not the answer to your singleness. If you have to
compromise to get the job, you’ll end up lying to keep it. He is a God of order and righteous
desires get results!
EMAIL:
Quoted as one of today's leading
motivational speakers by ESSENCE
magazine, Leadher Coach Scott™ shares
life-changing truths with practical wisdom,
humor and insight. Currently, a columnist
for StreamingFaith.com, her workshops
and seminars are popular at women's,
singles' and youth conferences. For more
info, also visit feliciascott.com or myspace.
com/upliftagency. Follow her at www.twitter.
com/coachfelicia.
Email Coach Scott:
coachscott@eewmagazine.com
Connect on Facebook
Facebook.com
motivational speakers by ESSENCE
magazine, Leadher Coach Scott™ shares
life-changing truths with practical wisdom,
humor and insight. Currently, a columnist
for StreamingFaith.com, her workshops
and seminars are popular at women's,
singles' and youth conferences. For more
info, also visit feliciascott.com or myspace.
com/upliftagency. Follow her at www.twitter.
com/coachfelicia.
Email Coach Scott:
coachscott@eewmagazine.com
Connect on Facebook
Facebook.com
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I can't remember how old I was when I
learned my first bedtime prayer. But, I do
remember feeling like a “good girl” every
night, as I rose from my bedside. My job was
done. When my rhyme was over, I climbed
into bed without a second thought to the
words I’d prayed or the God I’d prayed them
to.
Over time, accomplishment wilted into
failure, when I stopped rhyming and started
asking for the things I really needed and
wanted. It was no longer, “Watch me while I
sleep.” I had a checklist of things that needed
His attention. But I was sorely disappointed
in His response time!
A big part of the problem was my attitude. I
approached God like an ATM. Prayer was
my debit card and I only needed to make my
request and the transaction was over.
learned my first bedtime prayer. But, I do
remember feeling like a “good girl” every
night, as I rose from my bedside. My job was
done. When my rhyme was over, I climbed
into bed without a second thought to the
words I’d prayed or the God I’d prayed them
to.
Over time, accomplishment wilted into
failure, when I stopped rhyming and started
asking for the things I really needed and
wanted. It was no longer, “Watch me while I
sleep.” I had a checklist of things that needed
His attention. But I was sorely disappointed
in His response time!
A big part of the problem was my attitude. I
approached God like an ATM. Prayer was
my debit card and I only needed to make my
request and the transaction was over.
July 5-July 19
