Making you Requests in Jesus name

John 14:13 - " And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

John 15:7-8 - " If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

These are two well known verses have been used extensively in our Christian walk. These are two verses that are the bed rock of name it claim it preachers. At a glance, it seems that Jesus is saying ask it and I will snap to it and give you what you ask.

Yet with greater reflection, we see some truths that are necessary to understand in order to grasp the full implications of these verses.

In the first text, there are two keys to receiving your answer (request). It is to be done in Jesus name, more specifically according to His will. Jesus name is not a magic wand to get what you want. If I ask for something in president Trump's name, it is because he told me to ask for it. If he didn't tell me to ask for it, and the person checks with president on the matter to find out president Trump never said such a thing. I will not get what I asked for, but maybe get jail time or a fine. It is the same with God the Father, when we ask for something in His name. The Father checks with the Son on the matter. When we ask something in Jesus name without His authorization, we are using His name in vain. Another aspect of this is that the Father responds to the request that the Son may receive glory.

In the second text, there three reasons to receiving the answer to our prayers (requests). The first is remaining connected with Christ in a healthy relationship that involves us obeying His Word. The second reason is the purpose of bringing glory to the Father. The third reason is that you might bear much fruit that people might see you are Christ's disciple. This fruit is not only referring to the fruit of the Spirit, but the work of the Spirit as well.

Lord help us to be more thoughtful in our prayer life and be lead by your Spirit in prayer. Help us to remain connected with you, and may your purposes be accomplished.