There seems to be a fine line between praying believing and the "name it and claim" it extreme. Where is that line drawn? How can you tell the difference between praying believing something and demanding your own will?

I believe it all comes down to heart. Are you humbly approaching God? Are you fearfully seeking his face? Are you awestruck by Him? Do you desire His will to reign over your own? If so then you are probably on the right track, or at least able to be guided to the right track by God.

However, when we approach God with the attitude that its either our way or no way at all I suppose that is when we begin to be filled with our own pride. We also put God in a box thinking that our way is the only and best way when He is so much more creative than us! Perhaps I should keep this personal, so much more than ME!

I appreciate really good literature. One of my favorite books is The Count Of Monte Cristo. The book is 100 times better than the movie because the book has about a dozen more plot lines running through it. Each plot line interweaves beautifully with the rest of the story that it is difficult to believe that it is fiction! This is how I view God's working in our lives. He has a masterful way of weaving so many different things together so that they all create a beautiful piece of art.

So back to my original question. How do we pray believing as it says in James, how do we ask knowing, when His will is so much more intelligent than our own?

What does the Bible say? Like little children. I suppose a little child approaching a parent asking a request is still lovingly considered by the parent. Perhaps its already a part of their plan. Perhaps they say no, but they still treasure the request.

Oh Lord let me be like a child coming to You humbly but trusting that Your plan is the best.