APR 24

John 14:13-14
Memorise John 14:13-14
“…I will do it.“

This is how we should end our prayers. Not only in John 14:13 did Jesus teach, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son”, but in John 16:23 we also read, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you”.

Therefore, our prayers to God must not go through any other name, neither Mary nor any saint. This is also not a magic formula like “open sesame” in the Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves story. If what we ask for is not for God’s glory and according to His will, saying “in Jesus’ name” is meaningless. Genuinely praying in Jesus’ name and for His glory is what is important too. It is not the words in the prayer that are first in importance but the purpose behind the prayer.

It is to remind us that all our prayers are made possible through His atoning work on the cross for us. If Jesus did not die, and we did not put our trust and faith in Him as our Saviour from sins, our prayers will never be heard and answered. We do not have any merit of our own that makes us worthy to approach God. It is only through the merits of Christ that a believer can come with his adoration, petitions and thanksgiving, knowing that not only will God answer, but He will also be pleased. We are accepted “in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6) for Jesus is beloved of God.

Praying in the name of Jesus, we come boldly before God’s throne. God accepts us and treats us as He would His own Son because we come in His stead. We are represented by the Son when we come to the Father. What a blessing that Christ has told us to approach the Father in His name! What a blessing to know that God welcomes us as we commune with Him under the authority and name of Jesus, the name above every name.

Thought: David fought and won a victory over Goliath because he came in the name of the Lord.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I understand that praying in Jesus’ name involves praying for things that will honour and glorify Jesus.