Let’s consider the sort of life that flows from God into us and through us. This is part two of a four part series. Read part one about the first mark now.
Powerful Prayer
7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
John 15:7-8,16
Through the work of Jesus, we have access to God the Father. Jesus is teaching us that the Father wants to give us the things we ask for in Jesus’ name. The “in Jesus’ name” part is key here. It doesn’t mean tacking “in Jesus’ name” onto the end of a prayer all about me. “Father, I want a bigger house, in Jesus’ name.”
To pray in his name is to pray for the things he prays for–to pray as one who comes boldly to the throne of grace through the one mediator between God and man, Jesus the Christ–to ask great things of God, and to trust that he will answer.
I don’t want to discourage you here. You may be thinking, “If powerful prayer is a mark of a Christian, then I’m in trouble.” The last word many of us use to describe our prayer life is powerful.
I want to encourage you here if that’s you. Perhaps the most powerful prayer you can pray is this, “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” Then go forward in faith, believing that he will strengthen you. Oh, how the Father will respond miraculously for your good and his glory.
Your most powerful prayers have yet to be prayed.