John 14:8-14

“I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.” vss. 13-14

As far as some Christians are concerned this is the point in his ministry when Jesus gave his disciples the secret code that would guarantee answered prayers. All that they would need to do to get their heart’s desire would be to offer their prayer in his name. That’s why the standard closing phrase in the prayers of so many is, “In your name I pray. Amen!”

According to John Jesus said these words on the night before he died so that his disciples would be encouraged to continue his work. He didn’t want them to think that they’d be alone in their mission. He would in fact be with them, and through them his work would be expanded. The hungry would be fed, the blind would see, and the mourning would be comforted all over the earth, and the Spirit of Jesus would be bringing strength and courage every step of the way.

So these verses are not about us as individuals getting our desires fulfilled by God because we’ve been given the formula for answered prayers. Far from it! This is about communities of faith being strengthened in their role as the living body of Christ in the world. And through us Christ is glorified!

Thought for the Day: Why do I pray in the name of Jesus?