Prayer is represented as a key to unlock doors. Some people pray that they will be victorious over others. Some pray that harm will come to others. What causes one prayer to be realized while another is not? If prayer is communication with God, why do some prayers appear to go unheard? Prayer is aligned with our actions, what we do connects to what we are due.

According to the Word of God

In the Bible God engages in communication. He also invites that communication. Because He is our Creator it is essential that we know what He shares with us about how our prayers are impacted by our relationship with Him. Let us go to His word and study what is revealed.

Sixty-two of the sixty-six books of the Bible contain prayers or make reference to prayer. The Old Testament tends to focus on prayers and the New Testament on the importance of prayer. Jesus and the Apostle Paul most frequently concentrate on prayer.

Among the references these come to mind: pray without ceasing, do not be anxious but pray about everything, and anything we ask in His name He will do it.

At John 14: 13-14 we read, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” (King James Version)

These words were spoken by Jesus to the disciples. Jesus’ words have meaning for those that follow Him today, those in relationship.

Greater than anything written by the world’s best wordsmiths is the word of God recorded in the Bible. I truly delight in exploring the words by searching their original languages. Hebrew and Greek are so much richer than the English language. When translators began to process the original texts the richness of the meanings is sometimes diluted.

Relationship is key

As I studied the original Greek for John 14: 13-14 I discovered two things in the passage. First the words that link together to form the phrase “in my name”. In my name also means being rooted and grounded in the name of Jesus.

As I think of a seed with roots, when it is rooted it is not easily moved. It is solidly fixed to the soil. It is not tossed about by the elements because of that grounding. I think of being solid and steadfast reliant on Him as the plant relies on the nurturing soil in which it abides.

The second, and most profound discovery is that the word “ask” as it appeared in the original Greek had to do with making a demand for something due, being requested from someone with the authority to give. That means that when we ask anything we are rightfully entitled to, our request will be honored.

For example, a customer with a bank account, established in their name, has access and the authority to go to the bank and request a withdrawal. Based on their relationship with the bank. Both the bank and the customer have to adhere to the agreement they have with each other. When they both comply with the rules, access is granted to what rightfully belongs to the customer. Likewise, when we are in relationship with God and we meet the requirements to access the benefits of that relationship; He keeps His promises.

In any relationship the individuals involved have roles. When they cease to fulfill the understood roles the relationship is no more. When we keep our end of the relationship and are rooted and grounded in Jesus we are due certain outcomes according to God’s will.

While God does not seem to reveal the intricacies of His will to us, He, unlike our earthly fathers always gives us what is best for us. His ways of righteousness are so far above us, even if He were to spell everything out before us we clearly, with our finite minds are ill-equipped to process it all.

Our role is to maintain our relationship with our loving Father. We trust Him to know what is best for us. Then we can lay claim to that which we are rightfully entitled. What we do connects to what we are due.

What is your relationship like with God? Do you have the authority to ask and expect to collect on His promises?

Read the Bible. Take Inventory. Take Action.

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”