The following commentary is not endorsed by the O C Society or the publisher, but are submitted by 808.

We often wonder why God does not answer our prayers.  Sometimes we don't even think to pray and yet what we might have asked for comes to us.  The point of prayer is for us to talk to God about everything, "pray without ceasing."  It is only when we do this that we can see God's purpose in our receiving whatever we get.  If we begin to see everything as dispensed by God to accomplish His purpose in us or in others, then and only then are we drawn closer to Him as His loving, merciful, gracious character is confirmed in the little things as well as the big things in our lives.

If you know that you are not as deep spiritually as He desires, simply admit that to Him.  It is His responsibility to take me deeper spiritually.  He cannot do that, however, unless I invite Him to do so.  And I will never ask for this, unless I realize that I am not there yet.  The Holy Spirit can and will do what I cannot do.  That is to impart wisdom which comes only from God.  Remember also that the spiritual is contrary to the natural (common sense) mind.  Ask without an ulterior or selfish motive.  My asking, when motivated by a sense of deepest need, will always invoke a response from God.  He takes great pleasure in meeting my needs.  He does not, however, have any desire to bless a whining child.  The purpose of prayer is to establish intimacy with God.

When Jesus went away to spend personal, private time with God, His prayers were made so that He would know the mind of God.  Then when Jesus returned to His daily ministry, He knew before He spoke, what He should speak.  He knew whom He should heal.  He knew where He should go.  And He simply moved in perfect parallel to His Father's desire.  Use prayer to draw near to God.  And His promise is that He will then draw near to you.