THE POWER OF PRAYER

 

Jn 16:23,-24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father for in my name, he will give it to you.  “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name; keep asking and you will receive, in order that your joy may be made full.”

 

Jesus is in the upper room giving last minute instructions and truth to His disciples.  He is giving them the means and knowledge how to succeed and win over this world.  This is a great verse for us to ponder and consider

 

Intro:  There are five things truths in prayer.  These are the words of Jesus.  He is God, His integrity, nature and character makes it absolutely impossible for Him to lie.  What He says is absolute truth.  It is the law and word of God.  It cannot and will be broken and all heaven is going to back it up

 

1.      Whatever you ask the Father for in my name.  When you ask in Jesus name you are praying His authority.   His name is above every name.  At His name every knee will bow and every tongue will confess.  Praying in Jesus’ name reminds us we rely on His power and His will.  Praying in Jesus’ name reminds us to glorify Him, not ourselves.   Jesus is our avenue, conduit and channel to the Father.  We can only come to Him through Jesus.  He is our Father because of Jesus.  I love this quote.  The child asks of the Father whom he knows. Thus, the essence of Christian prayer is not general adoration, but definite, concrete petition. The right way to approach God is to stretch out our hands and ask of One who we know has the heart of a Father.”  Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 

 

2.      When you ask in Jesus name He will give it to you.  This is the promise of prayer.  This phrase is the guarantee.  This is written contract or word that cannot be broken and must be honored by God.  John clarifies one thing in 1 John 5:14, by stating that we have confidence that when we ask according to His will God do it.  When you align your will, desires, dreams and destiny with God you will know what He wants and you will want to do it.  Jesus only wanted to do the will of His Father.  That must be your aim.  Paul puts it concisely to the point in Rom 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

 

3.      Keep asking.  Do not give up.  Remember the story about the widow woman who wanted justice from the unjust judge.  She never gave up and finally her request was answer.   Many times our feelings don’t reflect facts.  Daniel learned that before the request was out of his mouth the answer was on the way.  Just because God is silent that does mean he is absent.  God is always working in ways you do not see.  Remember prayer is bigger than petitions and request.  Faith and trust is involved.  Remember timing is as well.  God always arrives on time. 

 

Prayer is not a means of coercing God to do what we want. It is a process of recognizing His power and plan for our lives. In prayer we yield our lives and circumstances to the Lord and trust Him to act in His time and in His way.   As we rely on God’s grace not only for the outcome of our requests but for the process as well, we can keep coming to the Lord in prayer, trusting His wisdom and care for us.  Our Lord’s encouragement to us is clear: Always pray and don’t give up!

 

4.      You will receive.  What a great promise.  Our God wants to bless you.  He wants to give you eternal and abundant life.  Just receive.  This is what grace is all about.  It is God’s riches at Christ’s expense.  Prayer is the avenue of asking and receiving.  You stand upon God’s word and promises and then by grace your receive.  God gives because he loves us.  Our part is to receive, walk and be healed by that love.   Only God’s love can truly restore, heal and make us whole.  Just receive.  All the benefits of salvation and heaven are yours because of Jesus.  Just receive. 

 

5.      So your joy may be full.  God wants to fill your life with His joy.  Joy is that deep seated contentment.  The dictionary says joy is a state of well being,  a place of delight, a foundation for success, abundance and freedom.  God is the source of this.  He wants to impart it to you so you in turn can give it to others.  Prayer in Jesus name brings total joy and abundance beyond imagination.  Remember God can do exceedingly abundantly beyond you could ask or even imagine.  This is the power of prayer.  Out of your inner being will flow rivers of living water.  I dare you to dream in prayer and then go ask for it because of what Jesus said here.