When we pray in the Spirit, all supplications We are purified of selfishness and worldliness.

The only true prayers are those that can live in the white, searching light of His presence (Ja 4:3). Two thoughts are present in this rebuke of James. We receive not because we ask not, and because we ask amiss. If we expect God to answer us, we must ask aright. He takes into account not only what we want, but why we want it. Many things make answered prayer impossible: Sin shuts us out of His presence (Ps 66:18); unbelief meets with a deaf ear

(Heb 3:19; 11:6); unforgiveness hinders answers to prayer (Mat 5:23, 24); unstable minds cannot receive anything from God (Ja 1:6-7); a condemning conscience cuts the line of communication (1 Jn 3:19-22); and self-seeking motives prevent answered prayer (Ja 4:3).

Have we been guilty of praying with a wrong motive? The word “amiss” means, “with wrong intent”. We can ask for good things with the wrong motive. What folly it is to make God the instrument of our desires, rather than subjecting all our desires to Him.

Among other hindrances to prayer, James names pugnacity, or a fighting/aggressive spirit. War and fighting come from passions let loose, from covetousness and cupidity (greediness), and from unfulfilled desire (Ja 4:1, 2). Men try to get what they think they need by force, but what they truly need can only come from God.

Above all this however, pride is perhaps the greatest hindrance to answered prayer (Ja 4:6). If we would have God hear and answer prayer, we must be subject to Him (Ja 4:7; Pr. 3:34). Arrogant vaunting of one’s own abilities nullifies praying. We must draw nigh to God in all humility (Ja 4:8). The only way up is down.