need i ask?
"You cannot acquire, so you quarrel and fight." —James 4:2
Our international wars and personal conflicts are partially due to the fact that even our legitimate needs are sometimes not met, although the Lord has promised to provide all our needs, "our daily bread" (Mt 6:11). This is because His promise is often conditional upon our asking Him in prayer.
The Lord states in His word: "You do not obtain because you do not ask" (Jas 4:2). This statement may puzzle us, for we recall asking the Lord to meet certain needs that we don't see met. However, to get what we need, we must not only ask vocally but unselfishly (Jas 4:3). Selfish praying leaves us very needy and contentious.
We are naturally selfish, and therefore trapped into depriving ourselves of our needs. The only way to have an unselfish heart is to get a new heart (see Ez 36:26), and Jesus is the only One Who can give us a new heart and a new life. So, without Jesus, we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). We can't pray rightly or keep from fighting. Our need of all needs is total love for Jesus.
Prayer: Father, thank You for providing my Need, Jesus.
Promise: "O God, hear my prayer; hearken to the words of my mouth. For haughty men have risen up against me, and fierce men seek my life; they set not God before their eyes. Behold, God is my Helper; the Lord sustains my life." —Ps 54:4-6
Praise: Jesus has risen and will raise those who love Him. Praise You, Jesus, my Redeemer and my Savior! Alleluia!
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 1, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 4, 1997