John 14:13-17 The prayers that God cannot resist

“Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.” John 14:13-17 

Background

Jesus taught the disciples the secrets to effective prayer: a lifestyle that loves God and obeys His commandments. Prayer is not a transaction but manifested in a lifestyle and relationship with God. Jesus proceeded to ask from the Father the most important gift who is the source of heavenly wisdom and power: the Holy Spirit.

Observation

1.  “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” Here, Jesus again referred to Himself as the face of the Father and praying to Jesus is in fact praying to the Father who is the Giver of all gifts (James 1:17). Why then do we pray in Jesus’ name? No doubt, God can still answer those who petitioned directly to the Father (as seen in John 9:31). However, many could not have faith because of their lack of understanding of God’s mercy and power. It is in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection that we experience God’s forgiveness and power. The more we experience Christ’s forgiveness and power, the more we increase in faith to pray. Hence, praying in Jesus’ name is not a magic incantation, but faith in God’s love and power displayed through the works of Christ.

2.  “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments…” Jesus added this condition as a necessary expression of true faith: love and obedience. Even as one perseveres in prayer, His faith is expressed through obedience and love towards God. In other words, one who expresses faith by walking in obedience and love for God will find their prayers answered. If the goal of your prayers is to fulfil God’s will on earth, then He cannot resist your prayers.

Truth

1.  Do not focus on repeating your requests to God, but on your relationship with Him. Prayer is not a transaction but a relationship and lifestyle. Many have been Christians for many years, yet they could not experience the peace, joy, righteousness and the supernatural power of the Spirit. Many have lost faith in God and in their prayer life. Even though they continue to attend church week after week, they remain cold and uninspired. They want to be taught how they could experience more of God and His blessings. They want to understand the methods of effective praeyer.

However, Jesus said in one breath, “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Just like any relationship, if the heart is right, you will get much joy and satisfaction out of that relationship. Hence, we do not focus on praying methods, arming ourselves with God’s promises, but focus on building a more profound relationship with Him. Seek to understand God’s heart and what you could do to establish His Kingdom on earth. Knowing it is the Father’s desire to grant you your requests (Psalm 37:4). You will experience breakthroughs in your prayers like never before.

2.  If you have the gift of the Holy Spirit, you would also possess all things. Many sought material wealth, entertainment and relationships thinking that would give them security, peace, and fulfilment. Many despite having a life that others envied were not fulfilled and wanted more. Thus, Jesus took the initiative to ask the Father for the most important gift of all: the Holy Spirit. The disciples did not lack anything while they were with Jesus, “the Helper”. Now, when “another Helper” is given to them, they will also lack nothing. The Holy Spirit gives peace, wisdom and power for us to be successful in everything that we do.

Applications

1.  Seek to understand the Father’s perspective for your work today. Instead of presenting a list of requests to God, ask Him to speak to you what is in His heart?

2.  Try to sense the thoughts of the Spirit, His emotions as well as His tangible presence. Enjoy this moment of intimacy with Him. You will soon realize that your day will work out just fine.

Dear Lord, speak to me what is in Your heart and help me to understand what is on Your mind. My greatest joy is to know plans and walk with You to do Your will. I know that You have included my family and my career in Your Kingdom’s plans. Help me to understand and pray the prayers that You cannot resist. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.