Ask For Anything

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: John 14:1-11 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! (John 14:12-14 NLT)

Jesus said “Same works and even greater works!” Does that mean quantity or quality? Seems pretty hard to top the quality of healings, feedings, and resurrections Jesus did! But think of the answered prayers and life transformations and sacrificial service and kindness and compassion and love shown all over the world, every minute of every day, for 2000 years! And think of the billions who have come to faith in Christ, lived for him, and died in faithful expectation of heaven (A Place for You)!

Jesus said, “You can ask for anything in my name and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask for anything in my name and I will do it!”

We’ve misapplied “Ask in my name” as long as I can remember, and I’m pretty sure it was happening before my time. We’ve made the phrase “In Jesus’ Name” to be like a magician’s incantation, rather than a statement of Jesus’ will and authority. To ask “In Jesus’ Name” means to sign Jesus’ name on the signature line of the check. That means we’re only authorized to ask for what Jesus wants done!

  • Father, Please help me get even with those people who wronged me. In Jesus’ Name! (Did Jesus tell you to ask that?) (No, Father, Jesus said to forgive them and pray for them!) (Well, OK then!)
  • Father, Everyone else in my neighborhood is getting new cars! Please give me a new car, details to follow. In Jesus’ Name! (Did Jesus tell you to ask that?) (No, Father, Jesus said to sell some of my stuff and help that family who are going through a really hard time with medical bills and stuff! (Well, OK then!)
  • Father, Please help me to overcome my critical attitude and my tendency to judge and criticize others in a way that makes me look better (by comparison) In Jesus’ Name! (Did Jesus tell you to ask that?) (Yes, Father, Jesus said not to judge others and not to compare!) (Well, OK then!)

Prayer:

Father, It kind of amazes me that Jesus trusts us to use his name in prayer. Please forgive me when I casually sign Jesus’ Name to requests that are selfishly motivated or even contrary to what Jesus said he wants done! Help us to do better! In Jesus’ Name!