PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: John 16:17-24
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“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 give Jesus.
His name represents his identity, his character and his purpose.
We see this also in Exodus 34:5-7 where God’s name is given 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 is seeking the fullness of who Jesus is.
They will love and honour the identity, the character and the purpose of Jesus.
They will seek God, God’s kingdom and righteousness, just like Jesus did.
And this will shape their prayer requests, what they are asking for.
When we pray, are we asking for our own 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)
PRAYER
Lord, I want people to know and experience God and you for real, and to have a life-changing experience with your Spirit. This is my prayer, in your Name!
“my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name”. WE have permission to ask for anything in Jesus name. It seems that it is unconditional. Would I ask for something that is not good for me? Would the Father then give it? Jesus asks: what Father would give their son a scorpion when bread is asked for? But if I am close to Jesus and his Spirit is working in me, would I ask something of the Father that is like a scorpion to me? I trust that the Father knows what I need and will give what I need in answer to my sometimes mistaken selfish requests – the Father responds by giving me what’s best for me in answer to my prayer in Jesus name. Lord Jesus, you know me – help me pray and ask for things that help me and help me to bear fruit in your kingdom!
Seek ye first the Kingdom of God in all things. Even when we experience pain and sorrow at the moment the Lord will turn it to joy. Where is my focus in my trials? Why? How long? The upward look or the downward look? He continues to work in my life bringing joy from my sorrow. Open my eyes Lord so that in all circumstances I can truly say the joy of the Lord God is my strength and song.
The joy of the LORD is my strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength
Oh, the joy of the LORD is my strength.
He gives me living water and I thrist no more
He gives me living water and I thrist no more
He gives me living water and I thrist no more
For the joy of the LORD is my strength