Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 12, 2015
Very truly I [Jesus] tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. John 16:23
At times, I find myself praying incomplete and ineffective prayers. Instead of praying in the spirit of Jesus’ name—I drift into praying in my name, in the name of a cause, or a church. My prayers become sterile when the spirit of my speech is self directed, not Spirit led. I still say at the end of my petition—“In Jesus’ Name”—but it resembles a hollow habit—a rubber stamp, instead of the Holy Spirit’s validation. My prayers gain God’s ear when I ask in Jesus’ name.
In the moments preceding His passion Jesus had the disciples’ undivided attention. So, He took time to remind them how to pray powerful prayers in His name. To pray in Jesus’ name was to pray representative of the person Christ. Pray peace, because Jesus represented peace. Pray love, because Jesus represented love. Pray meekness, because Jesus represented meekness. Pray forgiveness, because Jesus represented forgiveness. Prayers in Jesus’ name also meant alignment with His heart. Prayers consistent with God’s will, further God’s will. By faith ask in Jesus’ name.
“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24).
Have some of your prayers become rote and religious, lacking the Lord’s leadership? One way to bring back freshness in supplications to your Savior is to write out your prayers. Put words on paper, so you are precise and passionate about what stirs God’s heart. Written prayers invite the Spirit to etch His desires onto the tablet of your soul. Write out what you want to live out. Moreover, pray prayers found in the Bible. The precious prayers of God’s people recalibrate your prayers to God’s glory. “I will exalt you, my God the King” (Psalm 145:1). Pray in Jesus’ name.
Furthermore, there is a completeness of joy that comes from praying in Christ’s name. As we pray in Jesus’ name we trust in the Lord to move hearts to accomplish His will. We rest in peace and joy knowing He will handle whatever comes our way. Thus, our sorrow becomes superficial where Jesus’ joy deeply abides. Our heart can be heavy with sadness while our soul is lightened by our heavenly Father’s love. Above all, we focus on God’s fame when we pray in Jesus’ name. We are not the same from prayers in His name. Prayers in Jesus’ name make our joy complete!
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, keep me focused on praying in Jesus’ name for His name is above all names.
Related Readings: Isaiah 56:7; 1 Samuel 12:22; Psalm 138:2; Acts 4:11-13; Philippians 1:4
Post/Tweet this today: Our sorrow becomes superficial where Jesus’ joy deeply abides. #injesusname #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 6 minute video, Phil Robertson- Praying in Jesus name: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_0XS1vaX-M
Help the Poor: Consider a $35 monthly child sponsorship, our goal is 1,000 for 1,000 days:
https://www.wisdomhunters.com/friends-of-the-good-samaritans/
Our free Apple app- https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wisdom-hunters/id527185745?mt=8
Our free Android app- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wisdomhunters.wisdomhunters&hl=en
