But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
James 1:6 (RSV)
In this verse, James expresses the firm conviction that Christians should have when they pray. Knowing that we are speaking to a God who listens to us and cares about our needs, we should in no way doubt Him. What I like the most is the fact that James first shows the necessity of faith before mentioning the word doubt. Which clearly proves that doubt is the result of a lack of faith.
When you turn to God in prayer, you must know what you really want from Him and make sure your needs are consistent with His will. Often our prayers lack precision and clarity. We aren't even sure what we want and we wonder if God hears our prayers. This is what Paul calls inconstancy. Such prayers really cannot attract God's attention.
You must learn to identify the types of prayers you pray and have faith that God will listen to you and act accordingly. If you pray to worship God, have faith that He will delight in it. If you pray to commune with God, have faith that He will give you His full attention, and if you pray to address your requests to Him, also have faith that He will respond in His time and according to His will. Whatever type of prayer you pray, do not doubt because doubt will cause you to lose the blessings that God already has in store for you.
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.
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