Ye Ask Amiss

"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."  James 4:3.  God allows us to ask.  As we ask, we have the expectation of receiving.  However, there can be improper requests and improper motives behind our requests.  One of the reasons that we may not receive from God that which we request of Him is because we have asked for the wrong reason.  To ask amiss is to make a request that is unsuitable.  To ask amiss can also be an evil request.  God is not going to answer such a prayer.  God insists that we do what is right and commit those acts and use His blessings which are give to us for His glorification.  We may ask of God certain things so that we can use those things for ourselves.  We desire those things for our own pleasure.  Prayer is not to be used for the purpose of bringing us all things that we want.  We, as God's children, are to learn contentment and be satisfied with those blessings which He so freely gives unto us.  Our life here is also to be for His service, and not our own.  To seek our pleasure, especially evil pleasure, is to violate the sacredness of our commitment to God.  We are to enjoy life because we are privileged to serve Him.  Prayer is to be a helpmeet in that service.  When our requests are made unto God so that we might better serve, He will grant those requests and we will receive.