Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said, 'Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

‘I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but will tell you plainly of the Father. On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Today's reading continues the last teaching Jesus gave to his disciples before his death. They emphasise the power of prayer and the close relationship between the three aspects of God - as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus' words that when we ask in his name we shall receive, should be etched into our minds and souls, for he speaks not just to his disciples 2,000 years ago, but to us who believe in Him today.

But there is more to this than just asking for what we want. When we say our prayers in the name of Jesus we have to make sure we match our desires with His will. To pray for selfish desires (eg "Can I have tons of sweets!") is not matching our wishes with His will. If you're not sure whether your desires are selfish then leave the answer to God's decision with the words "May Your will be done." Praying in the name of Jesus invites the Father's love and blessing into our lives, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and as William Temple once said "When I pray coincidences happen".

Does this mean we need to go to church to pray (well we can), kneel down (well we can), put our hands together (well we can), and close our eyes (well we can). Ideally what we really need is some time in the day, and somewhere quiet. Then we simply open our hearts and minds to Him, pouring out our worries, our joys and our woes, being totally honest about our motives and desires. We ask the Father in Jesus' name, and because He loves those who believe in His Son, He will answer our prayers through the power of the Holy Spirit, though the answer will be His answer, not necessarily ours! And when their is no time or space? Well quick arrow-like prayers will do in an emergency!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Three but One God,
we praise You for Your Glory.
Increase our faith and trust in You
that we might draw closer to You each day,
involving You in all aspects of our life:
asking forgiveness for our sin,
encouragement for our plans,
intercessions for others,
and petitions for ourselves.
We ask that Your will may done, Father,
through Your Son, Jesus Christ,
and in the power of the Spirit.
Amen.