James views the impoverished and insufficient scattered saints of God with sadness. He says, “Ye have not, because ye ask not” (James 4:3). He resolves to get results. James was known as “Camel-knees” because of his much prayer. He saw his unpraying people in need of spiritual bread and water for their hungry souls (Psa. 107:9). James knows that spiritual poverty can change into supernatural power, if only they would pray. Kneeless praying results in needless poverty. Needs? Knees! It is not what they have done, but what they have not done. James advises them, “Ye have not because ye ask not.” Scriptures confirm Scriptures. “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.” (Matt.7:7-8). Note: Ask, Seek, Knock so ASK. No asking, no receiving. No seeking, no finding. No knocking, no open doors. Lack wisdom because you do not ask (James 1:5) They were malnourished, unfed and unled. Their cub-bard was bare because nothing was there.
You have nothing because nothing is there (Luke 11:6). You fish all night and catch nothing (John. 21:3). The Spirit could say, “I could do more if you would give me more to work with.” Without the Word, there is no work of God. No Gospel no power (Rom. 1:16). The “there” is simply not there. No oil, no flame. No light, in darkness. You cannot give what you do not have. Why? You have not because you ask not. So reverse it! You have because you ask. What causes spiritual poverty? Neglect! Neglected prayers produce nothing. What is the enemy of prayer? Silence! Unsaid prayers are unheard. ASK! “Let your requests be made known unto God” (Phil. 4:6). God is able! “He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” ASK!
I heard John Rice say, “When you get to Heaven you may see many unopened gifts with your name on them. You ask the angel why you did not get them. The angel could say, “You did not ask.” Think! What you don’t have, that you could have. No ask, no answer. John Rice also said, “If you want prayers answered then pray what God wants.” Ask and avail, “The prayers of a righteous man availeth much (5:16). The process of prayers in James: Let him (single) pray – Let them (church) pray (5:14). Results: Save the sick – sins forgiven (5:15). No prayer – no prevailing – still ailing (5:16). No prayer, no power. Prayer is a mighty force reaching unto an almighty God. “Ye have not because ye ask not.”
Now let’s again reverse the verse: Ye have because ye asked.
The Greatest Enemy of Prayer is Silence
