August 28, 2016

PRAYER THOUGHT:  "Praying in Jesus' name is ultimately praying for His sake and in accordance with His will."

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

Commentary:

Praying in Jesus' name means we recognize, first, our position IN CHRIST.  We are united with Him as a result of His perfect salvation.  We appear before God IN the Person of His Son.  Literally that means we are as welcome in God's eyes as His own Son is!

Second, praying in Jesus' name means we pray for His sake, not ours.  Whatever we wish, more than having it given to us or something accomplished for us, we want this ultimately because its for Jesus' advantage, more than for our own.

Third, praying in Jesus' name means we are recognizing God's right to do that which is in harmony with the will of His Son rather than the will of the one who is praying, namely, us.  When we know that our prayers are answered for His will to be done, our joy literally will be full!

Fourth, praying in Jesus' name means we are united with Him at the Throne of Grace and in union with Him while we are presenting our requests.  That, to me, has become an awesome thought!  When I pray I'm kneeling alongside my Savior and we are praying together!  Hope you can take that in and enjoy it as much as I do!