And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (John 14:13-14)
So, what’s in a name? In a word . . . EVERYTHING . . . when it is the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Far too many in the church today have not learned this deep truth of praying continually in the name of Jesus. What this means is this: to ask in the name of Jesus is to ask according to the will of God . . . according to the character of God . . . for the glory of God. When we keep prayer in this perspective, we realize that asking for some of the things we ask for does not meet with this “cosmic” criteria. The key is keeping Jesus in view when we come before the throne of grace and petition our God for the desires of our heart.
When Jesus says, “You may ask me for anything” far too many have twisted this biblical truth, turning God into some kind of genie in a bottle. Many have taken this verse out of context and use it as some kind of magic formula for getting the selfish desires of their hearts. Make no mistake, our God will never grant any of our requests that are contrary to His nature, His will, and His glory.
Here is the key that unlocks the door to living in the light of this biblical truth. The closer we draw near to Jesus, the more our prayers will be in line with what He wants for us. God the Father is perpetually pleased to honor the name of His Son when we are petitioning the throne of grace for things that bring honor and glory to His name. Remember, Jesus provided the greatest insight when praying to our Father in heaven – “But not my will, but thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven!”
So, have the prayers you have been lifting to heaven been a fragrant offering in the sight of God? Know this – if your prayers are prayed in the name of Jesus according to the character and will of God, this is your truth because those prayers will ultimately bring honor and glory to your God, while at the same time, expanding the cause of His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 