Ask for... Anything?

"Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." ~ Jesus, John 16:24

Humans are needy people. Every time we pray, it’s to ask for something. At times, we can feel like God must get tired of such needy people – always coming with requests. We can even find ourselves feeling guilty about it – sorry about needing His provision… again, needing His help and strength… again, or His forgiveness… again.

Relax. Jesus told us it would be this way.

Jesus said it bluntly in John 15…

"I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me." John 15:5 

First of all, Jesus himself was our example. When he walked among men, he was fully human and made it clear that he needed a constant Heavenly connection. If he needed to rely on His Father, how much more do we ourselves!

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son likewise does these things." John 5:1

The question of whether God answers prayer is as self-evident as asking whether a loving parent cares for their young child. Understanding what to pray for is similarly obvious – ‘whatever you have need of.’ Of course, we sometimes define things as needs that really aren’t.

James 4:3 ~ "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."

The distinguishing mark of a Christian is confidence in the love of Christ. Jesus’ love is a flame that burns from the inside out. It feeds the core and heart of our soul and burns its way into the outer man in order to shine there. The fire is kept alive with Heavenly fuel, not our own strength.

Jesus’ emphasis on the importance of our reliance on Him is for our ultimate good. It’s the alignment of our heart with His will that not only brings joy and fulfillment but also directs our hearts to pray impactful prayers.

John 15:7 ~ "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."

Asking "in Jesus’ name" is not a mantra or a code phrase – it means asking the way Jesus would, with His desire in mind.

It’s not a secret formula – It’s not about behaving in a proper manner, asking in a certain way, kneeling in a prescribed position, or being under the influence of divine inspiration. It’s not even about asking for the ‘right things.’ It’s simply being aligned with Jesus’ heart – the same heart that lives inside each believer. We just need to quiet our own will in order to hear it.

It’s a little like singing. 

The tune and rhythm come from God’s heart, but the melody and verse are all yours. Sing it in tune, but ask what you will… ask anything you need… make it the cry of your heart to God.

As we learn to live ‘in the vine,’ we find that the desires of our hearts begin to align with His desires.

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." ~ Psalm 37:4

Stay Prayed-up -- the world needs it!