John 16:24. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
To truly understand life, we must recognize Satan and sin. To experience power, we must know that Jesus has triumphed over Satan. And to receive healing, we must know the Holy Spirit, who works powerfully in and through us.
But what about answers to our prayers? Jesus said in Today’s Word that when we pray in His name, we will receive answers.
There is power in the name of Jesus. Why? Because God, who raised Him from the dead, “gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Php 2:9-10).
When we see God’s power displayed in our lives, we will confess as Peter did: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? … By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see” (Ac 3:12, 16).
When the name of Jesus is invoked by faith, the power of Satan collapses, and the Holy Spirit works mightily in our lives. This is the spiritual reality that the children of God are called to experience.
God has given the authority of Jesus’ name to His children. Jesus said, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well” (Mk 16:17-18).
However, our focus should not be on miracles themselves but on the authority of Jesus’ name. Miracles and signs are simply evidence of His mighty power at work.
The authority of Jesus’ name has been given to all who believe that He is the Christ. Anyone who has Jesus Christ has power. Anyone who calls on His name has authority. This is the true answer to prayer.
The greatest answer of all is Christ Himself being with us: “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Mt 18:18-20). Use the authority of Jesus’ name in prayer, which moves heaven and earth!
How do we know that Jesus Christ lives in us? “We know it by the Spirit he gave us” (1 Jn 3:24). The Spirit testifies that we belong to God’s family.
Jesus is also the Word (Jn 1:1, 14). This is why He said regarding prayer: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (Jn 15:7). When we meditate on the Word, we understand God’s will and pray accordingly. The Word and prayer are inseparable.
Prayer without the Word becomes a religious ritual, focusing only on earthly concerns: “What shall we eat?” “What shall we drink?” “What shall we wear?” (Mt 6:31-32). Unbelievers run after these things, but as God’s children, we are called to possess and experience something greater.
You are a child of God given all the privileges and rights of His kingdom. When you call upon your Father, He answers: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jer 33:3).
Do not be deceived by present circumstances. Hold fast to God’s everlasting promise: “Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love” (2 Jn 1:3).
When you pray, surrender to God’s will:
– Not “my will be done,” but “Your perfect will be done.”
– Not “by my plan,” but “by Your plan.”
– Not “for my circumstances,” but “for Your glory.”
Approach God’s throne with a heart of forgiveness, not vengeance. Submit to His will in humility. Above all, in prayer, enjoy what God has freely given you (1 Cor 2:12). Always remember your true identity—a child of the Most High God.
Because the Holy Spirit lives in you, nothing can destroy you (1 Cor 3:16). He will never leave you, but will lead you and give you peace (Jn 14:26-27). He will guide you into all truth (Jn 16:13), strengthen you with power from above (Ac 1:8), and work through you by answering your prayers (Jn 14:14).
You have been given authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and overcome all the power of the enemy (Lk 10:19). God even mobilizes His angelic armies to assist His children who will inherit His kingdom (Heb 1:14).
You belong to heaven. You have the right to exercise the privileges of a citizen of God’s kingdom (Php 3:20). In everything, testify to the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations, and He will be with you always, to the very end of the age (Mt 28:16-20).
To carry out the task of proclaiming the gospel, ask for the spiritual strength, the wisdom from above, the physical strength, the financial strength, and the blessing of meetings.
Pray together with fellow believers. God’s work is revealed in amazing ways when His children devote themselves to prayer (Ac 1:14). Share testimonies of answered prayer. This strengthens and encourages others in their faith.
Proclaim the evidence of Christ living in you, demonstrated by His answers to your prayers. When you experience Christ and the power of His name, you won’t be able to keep it to yourself. As the apostles said, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Ac 4:20). This is true evangelism.
Prayer. Father, I thank You for giving me the name that is above every name—Jesus. This is the only name by which I must be saved. Help me experience the power of Jesus’ name in every circumstance. In His mighty name, Amen.