John 16:24 “’Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.’”

How many times as Parents do our children ask us for something? Within reason we are happy to do it. Dads, we are especially vulnerable to that little girl who has us wrapped around her little finger, right? And Moms, son or daughter gets you, right?

PERMISSION TO ASK

Is Jesus saying here to ask for ANYTHING? Do you think He meant to give us permission to ask for anything we want and He would be obligated to give it? I don’t think so. You always have to look at Scripture, not only in context to the verse you are reading but to the Bible as a whole. Jesus said in the previous verse if we ask the Father for something in His name, He would give it to us. So just what do you ask your Father for?

We only ask the Father for things that we know will please Him. He wants to bless us, but only with things that are going to make us more like His Son. If we ask for things in the name of Jesus (which means we know Jesus would approve of it) then the Father will gladly give it to us. That’s what the verse says. It doesn’t say He will make us rich or powerful. Don’t read into the verse.

TEACHING MOMENT

So when you teach your children to pray always pray in agreement with Jesus. If Jesus would be pleased with your request I promise you the Father will be too. When you have a loved one who is in need of a physical touch, guide your children to pray believing God can heal but also accepting God’s Will in the situation. When you have a financial need in your family, guide your children to pray believing He is your provision and accepting the fact that He may use others to meet that need.

Pray is powerful and we often underestimate the power of the “ask.” Ask Him. He is always listening. After all, don’t you want your joy to be complete?