THE STORY OF JESUS: John 16:17-24
“My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (John 16:23)
The “name of the Lord” refers to more than the label we attach to God.
His name represents His identity, His character and His purpose.
For example read Exodus 34:5-7 where God proclaims His name to Moses.
When Jesus speaks of His name, He means the same things.
Praying in Jesus’ name is not just a phrase we use like a password.
Just saying ‘in Jesus name’ does not make the request in His name.
The person asking will have embraced the fullness of Who Jesus is.
They will love and honour the identity, the character and the purpose of Jesus.
They will seek God, His kingdom and righteousness, just like Jesus did.
And this will shape their prayer requests, what they want from God.
When we pray to God, are we asking for our sake, or for Jesus’ sake?
Jesus is promising a deep joy when we when pray with, like and for Him.
Knowing that God always answers Jesus-honouring prayer brings joy.
We may not see it right away (grief), “but our grief will turn to joy!” (v.20)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I want people to experience You for real. I want people to have a life-changing experience with Your Spirit. Use me to lead others to You and God… in Jesus’ Name!
The disciples were perplexed. How long? What is He saying? We don’t understand.
We too have the same questions. In this life we too experience His absence around us and we struggle. Yet through it all, He is with us and the end result will be joy for the joy of the Lord God is my strength. There will be periods of sorrow and we will question how long but Jesus puts the emphasis on what is coming at the end. Joy is a certainty.
The joy of the LORD is my strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength
He heals the broken-hearted and they cry no more
He heals the broken-hearted and they cry no more
He heals the broken-hearted and they cry no more
The joy of the LORD is my strength!
He gives me living water and I thirst no more
He gives me living water and I thirst no more
He gives me living water and I thirst no more
The joy of the LORD is my strength!
He fills my soul with laughter
Ha, ha, ha … ha, ha (ha ha)
He fills my soul with laughter
Ha, ha, ha … ha, ha (ha ha)
The joy of the LORD is my strength!
If you want joy you must ask for it
If you want joy you must ask for it
If you want joy you must ask for it
The joy of the LORD is my strength!