Sometimes it is just too obvious when prayer has become a casualty in an unspiritual war.
In witnessing this James scolds his readers accursedly: “You want something, but you don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God” (James 4:2).
James couldn’t have been stronger in his rebuke of these Christians who, though harbouring hate in their hearts, accused God of holding back blessings. We can easily imagine that they would have been incredulous at James’ charges of murder and covetousness. But the spiritually discerning would have immediately known that James was talking about their destruction of faith wrought by their greedy.
One thing that characterises all who “quarrel and fight” is their absolute belief that they are the strong ones in the church. The thought that the devil has enlisted them as purveyors of distrust and disharmony would never cross their minds.
When witnessing such behaviour in our churches the Strong and Courageous will instinctively drop to their knees before the Father. Never will they realise more their need for the Holy Spirit to help them in their weakness against Satan. However, it is in these times, when words fail the faithful, that they begin to understand what it means for the Holy Spirit to intercede for the church with groans too deep for words (Romans 8:26).
The Holy Spirit injects strength and courage into the hearts, lives, and prayers of the faithful through His Word, His saints, and His providence.
Note carefully how James’ brother, Jude, encourages the saints to prayer in the face of those who divide the church:
“In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life” (Jude 18-21).
John Staiger