I will do whatever you ask in my name ...


I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. -John 14:13-16 NRSV

What does it mean to pray in Jesus' name? Is it simply a matter of adding "in Jesus' name" to the end of our prayers? Or is it something more substantial? Interesting how the context in this passage seems to be glorifying God, loving him, keeping his commandments and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps these are the true elements of prayer?

Jesus teaching seems to present prayer as a package and not the simplistic utterance of our wants and needs. The inspiration of prayer being the Holy Spirit. The motivation: loving obedience. The authority: the name of Jesus. The goal: the glory of God. This sort of prayer speaks to me about how prayer is all about our relationship with God.

Teach us to pray Lord. Help us to see prayer the way that you see it.


... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

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