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: "I will praise Your name, O Lord, for its goodness" (Ps 54:8). I rejoice in Your love, risen Lord Jesus.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 30, 2012
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.