Scripture Reference: John 16:24

“Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

One of the reasons why we can ask and not receive is because we ask in our own name. This would be similar to a child who asks his parent for something, but his asking is not based on need or the parent’s judgment and willingness to give. Instead, his asking is based selfishly upon one or two things he did to help around the house. Because of this, he now thinks he has the right to tell his parents exactly what he wants them to do, even how and when they should do it. If his parents truly love this child, will they respond to his selfish demands in the way and at the time that he wants it?

Understand that this doesn’t mean we can’t ask for our needs to be met, on the contrary God wants us to come to Him as He already has a plan for your needs. However, are you asking for self to be glorified or for God to be exalted in the answer? Are you asking, not to enjoy communion with the Father, but because like the child in the last paragraph, you expect it from Him at any price? We can ask in faith and believe that God will give us His best answer, whether it is exactly what we want. Praying in Christ’s name, means we are also asking for His perfect will in whatever the prayer may be.

One clear evidence of problems in Christians’ prayer lives is when we spend more time preparing to come to Christ than in actually coming to Him. Parents, what would you think of your child who had a need, but spent hours getting himself ready, thinking of how to say things in a perfect way, working up all the right feelings, showing all the right mannerisms, and then hoping, maybe, that you will be willing to hear him? Would this honor or insult you and your love for your child?

Praying in Christ’s name requires repudiating praying in our own name. It not only testifies of our status as sinners but also of Christ’s status as Savior—of our sin, and His grace! No wonder Scripture lovingly commands us to pray in the name of Christ.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
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