Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24
The other day, Beholding Ministries blogged this scripture. Usually, I would just agree that yes, that is the truth. But this time it seemed like a direct challenge to me. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Lord, is that your word for me? Have I just been adding that phrase at the end of my prayers because you said to, not really knowing what it means?
So, this time I prayed all my repeated, agonized prayers over again and really thought about bringing them before the throne of grace in Jesus Name. And I saw that to pray in Jesus Name means to pray along with him, to intercede with him, to pray from within his heart, to pray for things that he also agonizes over, things he longingly desires. Things he came and died for. The things that break his heart.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:19-23
He died so that I could come boldly before the throne of the Father. He died that I could pray along with him from within his authority. To have the very authority of the Son of God! Do I really understand that? To pray in confidence that my prayers are not just beaming out from me and bouncing back unheard from the inside of a hard, impenetrable dome. Not knocking on a locked door, not just hoping, but knowing. The tears of Jesus become my tears; the longing of his heart pours out through mine.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:1-5
Here is something that we know is the Father's will – that none should perish, that all people be saved. So, let's keep praying for our unsaved friends and loved ones. Let's keep asking in Jesus name, along with him, interceding with him, from within his great heart.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
Thou art coming to a king.
Large petitions with thee bring.
For his grace and pow'r are such.
None can ever ask too much.
-- John Newton, Come My Soul, Thy Suit Prepare (1779)
For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37 (ESV)
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