John 14:13-14 (NIV) - “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

When we read these two words, “whatever” and “anything” it may seem to imply we have something like a blank check of prayer. We fill in the blank and we get what we requested. But when we take into account the numerous passages on prayer, we see there are guidelines and conditions in how and what to pray for - having faith, being in accordance with God’s will, and the right positioning of our hearts to name a few.

Even in these verses in John we see two points of teaching in how to pray about the works we will be doing. First, ask in Jesus’ name. In today’s terms it’s like name-dropping, because I know so and so that gets me exclusive privileges due to my association with that person. The doors are not opened for us because of our name, but because of the name we are asking on behalf of, we pray in Jesus’ name - His authority, power, dominion and rule. When there are kingdom works we need to do, we ask in Jesus name, let it be done. The second point is we will experience answered prayer for the works that give God glory. God desires that we experience His works because it makes Him known, and it stirs within the hearts of all people worship, praise and glory. That is why the invitation to pray is so inviting and all-encompassing with the words “whatever” and “anything” because there are many works, many wonders, many breakthroughs, many things that God is willing and able to do amongst us.

Today let’s pray as we head towards the end of 2016 and the start of 2017. Let’s thank God for the works we’ve witnessed this year and then pray for the works to come. The works that depend on Jesus’ authority, the Spirit’s power, and give God glory. The works that God says, “I will do it.” Let’s pray in faith as we see God’s visions and dream His dreams through our prayers.

-AK