(Read Matthew 21)
Just this week, a loved one shared with us that she was really struggling. On the surface, her life is going well – a good job, a boyfriend, loving friends and family. But inside, she’s a powder keg ready to explode. We recently learned that her living situation is anything but perfect, and as much as she loves her job, she’s working nights. As a longtime night owl, I can’t relate, but apparently, if you’re not cut out for that end of the clock, it wreaks havoc on your life, both mentally and physically.
We’re hearing the real truth through indifference, silent treatment, and finally, tears. She is a believer and politely reminds me frequently that she prays. Prayer has so much power on many levels. It lifts your spirits not only because you’re talking to someone but because you’re talking to the only one who can fix anything. It gives you hope because you’re thinking things through and mentally or verbally working out the details. One way to view prayer is that it is therapy for the soul.
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
(John 14:13-14)
This passage was part of Jesus’ heavy conversation in the Upper Room, where he comforted and instructed His disciples right before His crucifixion. He was leaving them with instructions and a lifeline of hope to keep them connected to Christ no matter what may pass. Jesus wasn’t offering a magic formula, and despite the prosperity gospel folk, it was not intended to be taken literally. God knows what is best for us, what will harm us, and what perpetuates His will for us, so he may or may not grant our requests the way we ask them. Jesus was not handing them or anyone else who prays a blank check. Our prayers should always focus on aligning our will with God’s will and seeking His glory in everything.
Chuck Swindoll wrote, “Reading the words of our Savior, we need to realize the tremendous emphasis He put on obedience.” Jesus was not giving His disciples a free pass or a get-out-of-jail-free card; He was giving them tools to help them grow, to show them how to give God more glory from their relationship with Him, and to surrender to self. When we pray the way Jesus commanded, we’re doing more than asking for a list of things, we’re communicating with God in the way He created for us. We shove our egos aside because we’re not impressing God with anything. In humble prayer, we’re stripped of our agenda, and with the honesty of a child, we confess our innermost pain, hopes, fears, and challenges.
A very good friend I’ve known for 30+ years recently flew to Japan to be with his father as he passed. He told me that he was very grateful that he managed to get there in time to join his mother and sister to be by his father’s side during his transition from life to death. He was deeply thankful for my prayers. My friend is not yet a believer but sees and feels the power of connection through prayers. The effect of prayer has connected me closer to God on my friend’s behalf and offered solace and peace to my friend when he needs it most. Prayer also reveals to my friend that it’s a conversation that reveals something larger than life and death. Above all else, prayer reminds us that love is at the core of everything. I believe that in his case, prayer is also a first step toward his coming to Christ.
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Matthew 21:22
This might be one of the most misinterpreted quotes of Jesus in the entire Bible. Jesus wants us to pray. He commanded it. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Matt 26:41). From God’s perspective, we get whatever we ask for in prayer because His will has to be fulfilled, and He never lies.
We cannot insist that God fulfill our desires as we envision and expect Him to comply. The truth lies in placing our trust in God and acknowledging His sovereignty to act according to His divine will. The power of God’s gifts begins with a single spark: belief. Belief that He hears our whispers, understands our deepest desires, and knows what nourishes our souls. It’s the unwavering conviction that His response, whatever it may be, is born from infinite love and a perfect plan. Like the sure hand of an adult holding a kite string for a child, God comprehends the complexities and guides us in seeking what is genuinely beneficial.
I have another friend who is under intense scrutiny of false allegations. The situation could be life-changing and debilitating for non-believers who don’t understand the necessity for prayer. But my friend does. “I’ve gotten closer to God through this ordeal,” he told me. “It’s amazing that I see how He is using me even through this!” He told me that his prayers are more intense and broader in scope than ever before. God is showing him something about himself that I don’t think my friend knew. There is no bottom to human anguish, but there is no ceiling on the hope that comes from naked prayer. He’s already glowing like the Apostle Stephen from this ordeal. Stronger, not succumbed, devoted, not distracted.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7
Last night, I was so distraught over our family member’s problems that I worked into the wee hours of the night because I didn’t know what else to do. Upon hitting the pillow, I prayed. I prayed and prayed. My body was exhausted, but I couldn’t fall asleep. I’m smiling about this now because I think God wanted me to finish my thoughts before He let me sleep.
In our chat, I didn’t accuse God or doubt His abilities. I never do. I prayed with sincere expectation that, somehow, this would all work out. The “somehow” didn’t matter. Our loved one came downstairs this morning and said, “Guess what? You’ll never believe this!” She described an incredible opportunity that suddenly presented itself. Her babbling was beautiful! God’s answer to what I was praying for was evident in her joy and resurfaced hope. Yes, I prayed for some specific things, but God dove deeper and delivered what she really needs, what will make her happy, and what will fulfill her in much larger ways.
“Whether or not I take advantage of this offer,” she exclaimed, “doesn’t even matter. Having options makes me so thrilled!” Options are choices wrapped in hope. God allows tests in our lives to see how we react. Our prayers lead us to press on instead of giving up.
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
When we’re paying attention, we can sense God’s love and presence through every trial. With God by our side, we’re protected from the trap of becoming jaded or apathetic. God with us means we have heightened clarity and greater faith. In this passage in Philippians, Paul challenges our natural tendency to worry about daily concerns and instead encourages us to place complete trust in God, letting go of the burden of these anxious thoughts. The reward for faith-filled prayers is a supernatural peace, exceeding human comprehension, it is not dependent on external circumstances, but it is solely rooted in a deep trust in God’s loving presence.
My wife’s niece was born with a serious congenital heart condition. At first, the doctors weren’t sure she was going to survive. They flatly told her that this was going to be a very rough road, with speedbumps and several complex surgeries. For one of her procedures, they had to drive more than a thousand miles to a specialized Children’s Hospital in Minnesota. This little angel’s parents are deeply devoted Christians. They wouldn’t have been able to get this far without prayers and faith. From the beginning, they put it out there to their church, community, friends, and, of course, family — they needed help. By themselves, they would not be able to endure this journey. With the power of prayer, they could. She is now four years old and is still facing additional surgeries ahead, but there is hope, there is light, and there is life! The power of prayer has been a huge component to their walk, and they’ve been very public about acknowledging it.
Asking God for anything is a beautiful act of vulnerability and trust. It begins a deeper connection, a surrender to a love that knows no bounds. Pray about everything with expectation. God will say yes, no, or not yet, but we should always ask.
When in the Old Testament God says, “I will be with you in the furnace of affliction,” not until you get to the cross of Jesus Christ will you know how far God was willing to go to make good that promise.
Tim Keller
Key Applications:
- Combine your prayers with action. Jesus doesn’t advocate for passive waiting. Remember, the verse comes after Jesus curses the fig tree for lacking fruit. This reminds us that our prayers should be accompanied by action and effort. Take steps toward your goals, cooperate with God’s work, and use the talents and resources He gave you.
- Develop an attitude of gratitude. Remember that even amidst challenges, with Christ in us, there’s always something to be grateful for. In your prayers, focus on your blessings and your growing faith, and open yourself to receiving even more.
- God may answer your prayers in ways you never imagined. Sometimes, he might redirect your path, challenge your assumptions, or reveal a higher purpose behind your desires. Be open to receiving his answers, even if they don’t align perfectly with your initial expectations.
Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.