Today’s Reading: John 16:17-33 & Psalm 5
“I tell you the truth, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name.” John 16:23
Picture this: In the Great Hall of heaven, God sits on His throne. You approach this Great Hall’s magnificent doorway. You find the door propped open for you—propped open for you forever by the Cross of Jesus Christ.
We come to God our Father through His open door, a door held open because of the Cross of Jesus Christ. That’s what Jesus meant when He invited us to ask in My name. In His intense love for us, He showed us how to come before God, our Father. So that we don’t stumble along the way, He said clearly and simply to ask in My name.
Martin Luther was fond of saying, “Pray as though everything depends on God, then work as though everything depends on you.” In the name of Jesus, the Christian folds his hands and prays, “Give us this day our daily bread,” and then—in the name of Jesus—unfolds those hands and gets to work. In the name of Jesus, the Christian prays for good health, and then—in the name of Jesus—sees the doctor and takes the prescribed medicine. In the name of Jesus, we pray for the well-being of our family, and then—in the name of Jesus—we meet the needs of those entrusted to our care.
When praying in the name of Jesus, I announce that He is Lord of my life; I admit that He has infinitely better knowledge about my tomorrows than I do; I affirm that what is impossible for me is possible for Him. And the same for you.
Ask in My name. Come on in—His door is open!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, who graciously invites our prayers and promises to hear them, give us a holy boldness and humble perseverance as we approach Your throne, so our words may be pleasing in Your sight and according to Your will, for we come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Response
What are you moved to ask in My name today?