"And whatever you ask in my name, that I will do..."

"And whatever you ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.”

(John 14:13-14)

As ministers we are well versed on the power and potential of prayer. We teach it, preach it and practice it. We are people of the Spirit and endeavor to live a life marked by prayer. We pray about sermons, surgeries, circumstances and situations. We pray about buildings, budgets and boards. We pray over people and projects. Prayer is not a manipulative tool to build false hope in the hearts and minds of those for whom we pray. Prayer is a big deal with God!

When God’s people pray in faith, things change….the curse of cancer is reversed, needs are met, obstacles are removed and the powers of darkness are driven back. God’s Church has prayed its’ way through the problems and perplexities of the 2020 pandemic. Thank God for the privilege of prayer!

Jesus said: “Ask and ye shall receive”. Much of our praying is for others. We endeavor to do as the scripture instructs and bear one another’s burdens. As right as it is to pray for others, it is not wrong to pray for ourselves. God is concerned for your marriage, your children, your grandchildren and your financial needs. Whereas, it is possible to pray selfishly, it’s not selfish to ask for certain things and make petition for ourselves and our personal needs and situations.

Bartimaeus asked for his sight. The woman of Canaan simply asked, “Lord help me”. Solomon asked for wisdom. In Psalms 27:11, David asked the Lord to lead him in a smooth path. Jacob asked the Lord to bless him. Elisha asked for a double anointing. Suffice it to say, we are not in error, or out of order to ask for something we need or desire.

Perhaps the first week of this new year finds you frustrated and discouraged. The enemy of your soul has heaped doubt, fear and discouragement on you. Faith and focus impacts future. Prayer is still a key to finding victory in our valley. When we pray God gives supernatural strength, wisdom and revelation knowledge. In prayer, a fresh anointing comes that enables you to do what you do with divine effectiveness. We make better decisions when we pray. We are better husbands, wives and parents when we pray. What is it that you or your family needs? What is it that your church needs? What are you believing for, survival or revival?.. Maintenance or multiplication? What is your dream, your vision, your heart’s desire as you begin this New Year? God wants to do more than what we are asking.

“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”

Eph. 3:20