Whatever you ask ... in my name ...

In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

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There is something mysterious about the words "in that day". The Lord seems to be speaking of the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples in the upper room and, by extension, each of us when we are baptized by the Holy Spirit. Perhaps the Lord is saying that it is only prayers initiated by the Spirit that are answered?

I struggle with the hyperbolic nature of the words whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Frankly, I have prayed much but have not seen many answers that have made my joy full. Yet I still pray because I embrace an image of God that is greater than my prayers. In His timing I believe that I will see answers to my prayers.

I surrender to your timing Lord and to the way that you desire to answer my prayers.