Prayer and Promises

Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. — John 16:24, NKJV 

When Jesus was upon earth, he taught his disciples how to pray. He directed them to present their daily needs before God, and to cast all their care upon him. And the assurance he gave them that their petitions should be heard, is assurance also to us. 

One of the first things necessary in order to have our prayers answered, is to feel our need of help from God. We may come to him just as we are, helpless, destitute, needy, and he will not send us empty away. The riches of the universe belong to God; his are all temporal and spiritual treasures. He can supply all our needs out of his abundant fullness. 

“Ask, and ye shall receive.” The assurance is broad and unlimited, and He is faithful who has promised. We sometimes fail in faith because Infinite Wisdom does not come to our terms. When for any reason we do not receive the very things we ask for at the time we ask, we are still to believe that the Lord hears, and that he will give us those things that are best for us… we are to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will come, and we shall receive the blessings we need most. 

Jesus has given us his name, above every name. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name,” says Christ, “that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments.” “I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”… We have a string of precious pearls in the promises, if we will but comply with the conditions. But to pray in the name of Jesus is something more than a mere mention of that name at the beginning and ending of a prayer. It is to pray in the mind and Spirit of Jesus, while we work his works, believe his promises, and rely on his matchless grace. 

Let us maintain the habit of close intercourse with God. Let us lay all parts of our lives open before him in gratitude for his long forbearance, penitence for sin, and earnest faith in the promises. 

— Signs of the Times, August 21, 1884 

O Lord, I cast all my care upon You. I am helpless to follow Your ways of divine love and ask in the name of Jesus that Your Spirit will give me the mind of Christ so I may work Your works. I believe Your promise for Your name is above every other name. With a grateful heart I lay every part of my life open before You and put my trust in Your matchless grace. I cling to the promise that You will supply all my needs and will send the blessings I need most!