“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” John 14:13 (KJV)
Have you ever considered the possibility that you may not know how to properly pray? Now, I do not claim that I am either an expert pray-er or perfect in my praying renditions. From time to time, however, I think it necessary to evaluate one’s practices to determine their biblical accuracy and spiritual efficacy.
John informs us that Jesus authorized his disciples ( you and me) to invoke his name in our requests. Not only to “ask” but to expect that He will both hear our prayers and respond favorably to them. According to the Lord’s words, his response to our prayers is one of many ways He glorifies the Father. In fact, He implies that He does what we ask so that He may glorify the Father through such responses.
Of course, we would never profanely invoke the Lord’s name by carnally asking “whatsoever” to glorify ourselves. Asking in his name is neither a mystical nor a magical key to success. Rather, the Lord’s name is both inherently holy and intrinsic to consecration. His name sanctifies the believer’s requests.
Our prayers are heard because his name sanctifies them. Our prayers are answered because his name sanctifies them. This sanctifying grace brings glory to the Father. It glorifies God’s truth. It glorifies God’s faithfulness. It glorifies God’s power. It glorifies God’s grace. It glorifies the Father’s love through Christ. It glorifies the honor that the Father has given to Christ.
Christ’s disciples only want to honor him. If our prayers would dishonor our Lord, we would not pray; but since we glorify him by praying in his name, we will pray without ceasing and enjoy fellowship with both the Father and the Son.
Dear Father, thank you for the sanctifying power of Christ’s name. Empower us with faith to invoke our every request in his name. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the power of Christ’s name,