![agree.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmQ7EEkZ9aHyyj1WW5pyWbQsGDKRieSafkFyMAtQs768cD/agree.jpg)
## Who's the Boss?
You know how you always asked your mom and dad, "aww...but, why?!" when you didn't get your way in whatever was the childish urge of the moment.  Well, you were being denied because nothing was owed you by your parents except to promote your well being to the best of their ability, not indulge your ever changing appetite for the distraction of the moment.  Oh, and you weren't asking for something that was in their will for you, just like we do with GOD as adults.

## Colossians 3:2--Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
As an adult, you never lost this habit of persistently asking for what you want.  Most do it every time they pray.  Finances, health, relationships, new things you NEED so bad... all things that we've all prayed for at some point that probably of questionable prayer-worthiness in light of scripture.  

I know, I know... you never heard it like this before.  I bet you only heard about praying for what you want in JESUS name and having faith.  Yes, it is said repeatedly that that is the manner in which we should approach GOD. Matthew, John, and Paul's epistles have numerous instances reinforcing these guidelines for powerful prayers.  However, it's James, brother of JESUS, that sets the record straight.  I'm sure many of you neglect his explanation for unanswered prayers

## James 4:3--You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
If you were under a contract to submit to someone in authority over you here in this earthly life, you would have to follow that or pay damages.  GOD has put us under a lenient contract with NO SUPERVISION.  Yes, he even let you manage your own workload.  Anyone can get in own the contract at any point in their life, too, which is awesome.  However, most think that this contract allows for expenses, reimbursements, travel expenses and the like.  I don't think we read the fine print of HIS WORD if we are still operating in this mentality.

James set the record straight for a reason.  There had to have been Saints in the early Church that were mixed up on the terms and conditions just as we are today.  The main difference is even though we have the contract (The Gospels) and some lawyer-types that claim to be able explain it more clearly for us (preachers, pastors, clergy) we still wonder why our prayers aren't approved.  Let's go take a look at our training on how to pray again...

## Luke 11:1-4--When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”
Here's the guide about what our prayer's are to reflect.  I know this scripture really needed no reminder.  It's one that is usually able to be pretty accurately recalled by nearly all Christians.   Let's talk about what's going on and in what order it occurs. 
1. Praise and glorification of the name of GOD.
2. Eagerness to abandon the earthly realm for the coming Heavenly Kingdom.
3. A meager request to have our bodily needs met daily
4. A request for mercy by the merciful
5. Petition for relief and/or aid in spiritual warfare


Now you may see that this isn't exactly the modern day prayer checklist.  GOD is merciful and understanding, yet also the good judge.  And we all know how a good judge rules when contracts come into play, but that's why I called it a prayer contract.  Not because it entails rigid rules, but because you know you will be given an affirmative answer to your prayer if you pray within the parameters of the model provided by our LORD, JESUS CHRIST.  In this way you can pray with confidence and boldly ask for the HOLY SPIRIT to aid you in the LORD's work. If we focus on the coming Kingdom of Heaven and not the things you want of this world, we are affirmed by our faith.  I'll close with an encouragement to avoid the folly of double-mindedness and heed another admonishment from the brother of JESUS.

## James 1:6-8--But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.





Written by Metanoia, unworthy of authoring this post