KJV - And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
NLT - You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.
Ask in My Name...Bring Glory to the Father
When we bring our petitions to God the Father, asking Jesus to intercede those prayers to Him, Jesus will do exactly that...so that God, our Father, may be glorified through Him. Seems like a self-explanatory verse, yes? We ask in Jesus' name, our prayer is answered.
Umm, wait a minute. That's not what this verse is saying. Remember, God is not a genie waiting to grant our wishes. Let's dig in and study it a bit more.
This does not guarantee that God will do whatever we ask if only we add to our prayer the words “in Christ’s name.” To pray in Christ’s name is to identify with the purpose of Christ to the extent that our will has become identified with the will of God (1 John 5:14). Those who do not obtain what they specifically request are often surprised by a different but better answer—and “no” is sometimes the best answer.
We must pray in Christ’s name (vv. 13-14). This is not a “magic formula” that we automatically attach to our prayer requests, guaranteeing that God will answer. To ask anything of the Father, in the name of Jesus, means that we ask what Jesus would ask, what would please Him, and what would bring Him glory by furthering His work. When a friend says to you, “You may use my name!” he is handing you a great privilege as well as a tremendous responsibility.
The “whatsoever” in John 14:13 is qualified by all that God has revealed in His Word about prayer; likewise, the “anything” inJohn 14:14. God is not giving us carte blanche; “in My name” is the controlling element. To know God’s name means to know His nature, what He is, and what He wants to do. God answers prayer in order to honor His name; therefore, prayer must be in His will (1 John 5:14-15). The first request in “the Lord’s Prayer” is, “Hallowed be thy name” (Matt. 6:9). Any request that does not glorify God’s name should not be asked in His name
Father God,
Thank you for another day here on this earth. Whoever I encounter today, friends or family, the likeable and seemingly unlovable; may my actions and words point them to You. May today be for Your glory.
In Jesus' name, I pray. ~ AMEN
What does this verse speak to you?
