Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask." Mark 10:35

How many pray as the two “sons of thunder” (James and John) did that day? How often do people think of prayer as a way to “get stuff,” as though Jesus is a mere genie from a magic lamp?

Those who think this was may know “a” Jesus, but the Jesus they order around is not the Jesus of the Bible!

But lest we are tempted to look down on James and John, let us remember that these two became giants of the faith!

And lest we are tempted to think to highly of ourselves, let us be reminded that asking God do give us whatever we want is not the only mistake in prayer.

How about the mistake of not praying at all?
Or the mistake of neglecting to worship the Lord in prayer?
Or the mistake of neglecting to confess our sins when we pray?
Or the mistake of not giving thanks because we are too focused on our desires?

Thank You Lord for Your patience with us as we grow in our knowledge
about prayer and mature as praying men and women.