So many abuse this promise of Christ. “In Jesus’ Name” becomes some sort of magic tag line that we can mindlessly add to the end of a prayer believing God has no choice but to grant us what we want if we just include those words. And we all know that’s not how it works. I’ve asked for things in the name of Jesus that have yet to happen.

But it would be equally wrong to ignore these verses. There is so much promised in these lines: direct access to the Father through the Son, joy made real in our hearts and prayer answered according to the will of God. To pray in Jesus’ name means to pray according to His agenda and His purposes. It doesn’t mean we don’t ask. It just means we trust Him to answer in the way that’s truly best for us.

So, I’m left wrestling with an obvious question. How do Jesus’ words on prayer intersect our lives? My guess is some of us reading this have all but given up on prayer. I just want to invite you back into the promises of Jesus. Find that time and reconnect with Him. Some of us are laboring in prayer and wondering when the answer will come. Keep pressing. Christ is building your faith, stretching you and your Father in heaven is so honored when you come to Him in faith.

We need to be a people of prayer. It can’t be a casual before meals and meetings kind of prayer. It must be ingrained in the fabric of who we are. As we grow in prayer, the Lord will show Himself mighty and we’ll see Him do amazing things on our campuses.