Book of James - Chapter 4 - Verse 3

When interpreting the verse "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts," it is important to understand the context in which it is given. This verse, found in the book of James in the New Testament, is a cautionary message about the nature of prayer and the intentions behind our requests to God. It reminds us that our prayers should not be driven by selfish desires or worldly pursuits, but rather by a genuine desire to align our will with God's will. When we pray with impure motives, seeking to satisfy our own desires without regard for what is truly best for us or in line with God's plan, we will not receive what we ask for. This verse serves as a reminder to approach prayer with humility, sincerity, and a focus on God's will above our own. By aligning our intentions with God's purposes, we are more likely to receive what we ask for in prayer.

The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of examining our motives when we come before God in prayer. The phrase "ask amiss" in the original Greek can be translated as "ask wrongly" or "ask with wrong motives." This implies that God is not just concerned with answering our prayers, but also with the attitudes and intentions behind our requests. By asking with selfish motives, such as wanting to satisfy our own desires or pleasures, we are not aligning ourselves with God's will and therefore may not receive what we ask for. This verse serves as a reminder to approach God with humility, sincerity, and a desire to seek His will above our own desires. It challenges us to reflect on the true purpose of our prayers and to ensure that they are in line with God's plan for our lives.