“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” — John 14:12–14
Will you pray? Jesus said that those who believe in Him will make prayerful requests in His name. The biblical concept of making a request in someone’s name is not so different than what we would understand today. If Jennifer and I decide to order take-out, she will often put the order in my name. When I go pick the order up I say, “I’m picking up an order for Josh,” indicating that the order was made according to my will. Jennifer made the request in my name, in accordance with what I wanted. This is what it means to pray in the name of Jesus. You are asking for what Jesus wants. You are looking into the written will of Christ (Scripture) and praying that it would be accomplished in the world around you. When you pray this way, you can expect that those prayers will be answered, just as Jennifer can expect that I will bring home the very take-out order that she placed in my name.
Will you pray? You see, God’s work, through Jesus Christ, is going to be accomplished in this world. That’s not an opinion. That’s just an accurate understanding of God. I don’t know about you, but I want to be a part of whatever God is doing. I would rather have the lowliest role in a movement of God than the loftiest role in a cultural trend. Would you agree with me on that? If so, then go ahead and take on that lowly role. Bow your head. Bow your knees. Bow your life to the Lord, and pray! Pray in the name of Jesus Christ, according to His will. Worship God in prayer.
Will you pray? If you can, stop right now and pray. Then, tomorrow, pray again, and the same the next day. Pray for your family, your neighbors, your coworkers and classmates. Pray for your country, your enemies, your church. Pray for senior adults, young families, singles, teenagers, young kids, and babies. Reach deep down, remember your foundation in Christ, your faith in Christ, and pray according to His name. Pray that His will would affect every person you know and that Eastern Hills Baptist Church would be a beacon of hope and truth, a shining reflection of God’s glory for all to see!
Will you pray?
Pastor Josh