You do not have, because you do not ask God.     (James 4:2)
 
For several weeks last fall, various Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts were stationed outside my local Stater Brothers store selling popcorn.  We don’t eat much popcorn, so I don’t want to buy it and waste it, but I do like to support kids in constructive activities.  Before every shopping trip during popcorn season, I tucked a five dollar bill in my pocket so I would be ready to make a donation.  On two occasions this year, the Scouts missed out on my donation.  The card table was set up with the popcorn display and Scouts were on duty in uniform, but none of them asked me to support their troop.  My personal policy is, if they don’t ask, they don’t get.  The verse from James suggests that God may have a similar policy.  Ask God in prayer for what you want.  He doesn’t promise to say yes, but He’s waiting for you to ask.
 
Here are some ideas for prayer this week:
 
1.  A great example of something many of us do not receive from God because we don’t ask is tongue control.  No human being can tame the tongue, but the Holy Spirit can.  Try starting every day by asking Him to control your tongue.
 
2.  Ella Ward, age 14, is having surgery on Wednesday to mitigate her scoliosis, which is lateral curvature of the spine.  The surgery, expected to last six hours, involves fusing her vertebrae and inserting metal rods.  Her recovery will last months.  Please pray for Ella, for the medical team, and for Ella’s parents and younger sister.
 
3.  Lift up the extended family of Connie Lasley.  Her 10-year-old nephew, Jake, died suddenly a week ago.  He had severe Downs syndrome.  I think we could honor Jake by praying, not only for his family, but also for all families raising children with Downs syndrome.  They are imperfect in the eyes of the world but precious to God, in whose image they are made. 
 
4.  The WOW (Women of the Word) class starts up again this week with a new study and a new format.  Ask the Lord to teach these women from His Word and to knit them together into a caring community.

5. Our Equippers (small group leaders and support leaders) heard from a speaker last week about depression.  It is a great reminder to pray for someone you know who is going through the hopelessness and loneliness of depression, “the cage without a key."  (Quote from writer Elizabeth Wurtzel)

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert, Prayer Chair
Calvary Community Church of Brea