THE WORD 4 ev 1

Today’s reading is John 16 (click here for link)

A prayer in Jesus' name…

Jesus says that whatever we ask for from the Father—asking in Jesus’ name—we will receive. Wow! Do we take that seriously? Do we begin our work for the Lord with that kind of certainty and that kind of confidence? Perhaps we don’t give the devil enough credit (which I hate to do) for his ability to hinder our prayers!

Of course, Jesus isn’t implying that his name is a magic word that can grant us any wish we desire. No… a prayer in Jesus’ name is like a vine and its branches; our motives, desires, hopes, and dreams are nourished and fed by the one who abides in us and we in him. A prayer in Jesus’ name is a prayer prayed like a son or as a daughter would ask of their father for good things, for guidance, and for help. Good fathers give us what is good for us, guide us in ways that are safe, and helps us when we are in trouble. But that might means we don’t always get what we think we need, but what our Father knows is best.

We are to pray as sons and daughters because we are “in” the true Son of the Father. Jesus no longer has to pray for us as he does in the Gospels, because his crucified body in the presence of heaven is a constant reminder to God Almighty that we are his children. He died for us. Jesus’ crucified body in the presence of the Father means that he will never ignore or abandon us. It means he hears our prayers.

Before you begin your next task for the glory of the Lord, pray in the name of Jesus and God can’t help but address your cause. And if ever you wonder about the work you are doing for him… if ever you doubt or feel on the verge of failure… identify yourself all the more with Jesus. The Father loves his son and because of him, loves you like a beloved child.

Pastor Aaron