Jesus invites us to ask the Father in His name, so our joy may be full.
“Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”John 16:24 (KJV)
What does “Ask” mean in John 16:24?
Jesus tells His disciples that until now they had not asked in His name. He invites them to begin, with a promise that their joy will be full.
Going deeper
Near the end of His last conversation with the disciples, Jesus gives them a new way to pray. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. Their access to the Father was about to open wide through Him. He wants them to use it. The invitation is simple and generous: ask. The purpose is not only to get things but to be full of joy, the joy of a relationship in which we bring everything to the Father.
Asking in Jesus' name does not turn prayer into a vending machine. James writes that we sometimes do not receive because we ask amiss. But the invitation stands. Bring your real requests to the Father, with trust in the One who taught us to pray. Try asking Him for one specific thing today, and then thank Him in advance for hearing you. Ask in a way that lines up with His heart, and leave the answer with Him.
Reflect
What specific request could you bring to the Father today in Jesus' name?
Pray
Father, thank You for inviting me to ask in Jesus' name. I bring You my requests, and I trust You with the answers. In Jesus' name, amen.
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