University of Virginia Library

Asking amiss

Experience teaches us that we do not always receive the blessings we ask for in prayer. There is some mis- apprehension of the source and means of all goodness and blessedness, or we should certainly receive that for which we ask. The Scrip- tures say: "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." That which we desire and for which we ask, it is not always best for us to receive. In this case infinite Love will not grant the request. Do you ask wisdom to be mer- ciful and not to punish sin? Then "ye ask amiss."

Without punishment, sin would multiply. Jesus' prayer, "Forgive us our debts," specified also the terms of forgiveness. When forgiving the adulterous woman he said, "Go, and sin no more."