You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. James 4:2
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye. shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh. findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Introduction
Some of you are working and can afford the things you need or want. Some of you are not working and so you have a challenge in getting things you need or want. However, with or without money, there are some things you want or need that seem impossible to achieve. However, God can give you anything you ask for. The word of Lord says that you do not receive because you do not ask. Therefore, ask God for whatever you need.
You Do Not Receive Because You Do Not Ask
Some people are in position whereby they can help others but they may not voluntarily offer assistance unless you ask. On the other hand, there are some people who are willing to help others but they do not know your needs. They will only know if you tell them therefore ask.
It took a lot of courage for me to go on Facebook and ask people to get tested and to see if they are willing to donate a kidney. If I did not ask, I may not receive some messages from individuals willing to be tested.
I hope by now you get the point that the Bible is making. You do not receive because you do not ask. Even though God knows our desires, he still expects us to ask him to meet our needs.
Therefore, to those of you who are struggling to conceive a child and perhaps even a fertility clinic cannot assist you, put your request before the Lord. Some of you are experiencing some behavioural issues or disorders with your children and you feel like your back is against the wall and you do not know what to do. Put your request before the Lord. Some of you are struggling financially and you need a breakthrough. Make your request known to God. Some of you are struggling mentally and despite counselling you still do not feel any better. Put your request before the Lord. Some of you are experiencing the manifestation of generational curses in your life. Ask God for deliverance from these generational curses. Some of you are being treated unfairly on the job and you do not know who to turn to for help. Turn to God for help by asking him to intervene on your behalf. Some of you are waiting on approval for certain documents but your wait seems forever. Make your requests known to God.
The word says that God will supply your needs according to your riches in Glory. You may not get answers immediately but that does not mean your requests will be denied.
How to Pray Effectively for What you want?
Be Specific with your request
Tell God exactly what you want. Do not pray in general for your requests. Hannah wanted a son. She did not have any children and she prayed to God specifically for a son and eventually God granted her, her desire.
Elijah prayed that it would not rain and it did not rain for three and a half years.
Be simple
You do not have to repetitive trying to have a long prayer. You do not have to use long and eloquent words. Just be simple.
Be consistent and continuous
Don’t just pray once for your situation. You may say “oh God knows my need, I ask him and I will leave it there.” Don’t stop praying. Be consistent in your prayer live. Pray all of the time for the word say pray without ceasing.
Be confident
Be confident with your prayer requests knowing that whatever you ask for, God will give it to you. Being confident is a demonstration of your faith and belief in God. Do not have any doubts.
Why You do Not Receive what you ask for?
I know that the title of this topic is you do not receive because you do not ask. However, there are some issues in your life that will hinder you from receiving what you ask for.
Wrong Motives
In James 4:3, the word states that you do not receive because you ask for wrong motives and you may spend what you get on your pleasures. God does not want us to be caught up in worldly affairs. He wants us to submit ourselves to him. Therefore, when you pray for something, make sure your motives line up with God’s will. Ensure that your motives for asking things are not for pleasure or to show off.
Unforgiveness
Perhaps some of you have unforgiveness in your heart and no matter how many times you ask for something, you may not receive it. Learn to forgive and move on so that this issue of unforgiveness will not hinder you receiving from the Lord.
Unconfessed Sins
Some of you may have sins in your life but you are coming to God for something. Confessed your sins to God. Psalms 66:18 states If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: If you come to God asking for something, ensure that you heart is cleaned.
Conclusion
Rather than being unhappy and feeling sorry for yourself because you are not getting the things you need or ask for, surrender to God and tell him what you need. God answers prayers so keep praying until something happens. Search you heart and do not let anything hinder you from receiving. God wants the best for you.