March 17, 2024
John 16: 16-24
Jesus Teaches About Using His Name In Prayer
16 Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”
17 At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” 18 They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.”
19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? 20 Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
REFLECTION:
In today’s word I saw that Jesus prepared his disciples for his departure, but in the midst of that he provided encouragement for them as well as encouragement for future Christians. He didn’t promise that our lives would be without grief, but that by praying in His name our joy can be complete. I understand that this joy is not necessarily a joy like the world, but a peace and quiet confidence in the Savior that we serve and his ability.
APPLICATION:
I will ask for those things that I need in Jesus’ name and believe and trust that he will do what is best for me. This means even giving me the faith I need to trust him.
PRAYER:
I thank you Lord that you have provided instructions on executing my prayer life. I believe that as I walk with you, my will – will align with your will for my life and that what I ask for you will bless me with in Jesus’ name. Then my joy will be complete. In Jesus name I pray and thank you Lord. Amen.