Powerful Prayer – Final Words

Jesus continually referred to powerful prayer throughout his final words with his disciples. This was clearly important to him. He really wanted us to understand how prayer worked. We will look at his words about prayer along with the other comments he made in these critical hours of teaching.

Last Words

The last words you say should have special meaning. They should be the most important things you can think of. Jesus spent hours with disciples and in these final moments before the crucifixion, he shared some deep thoughts.

This passage begins with some cryptic words and then ends with some very clear promises regarding powerful prayer. Here’s what Jesus said:

“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.  So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.  In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:16–33 (ESV)

What he said, interpreted

Weeping and mourning. The disciples didn’t know what was coming but Jesus did. In some circles there was rejoicing that Jesus was dead but the disciples were completely devastated. They were in shock and in great fear. That pain was like a woman in labor and how often has a mother uttered these words: ‘never again’?

Sorrow turned to joy. They experienced a stunning turn around. The resurrection virtually erased all the pain and the wondering ‘was it worth it’ just as a mother never wonders if it was worth it when the child is born!

This became an inextinguishable joy – it could not and cannot be removed because the resurrection is an eternal reality. It ushered in an era of power and fulfillment unparalleled in history.

Ask and receive. This ‘ask and receive’ is repeated five times by Jesus in this final teaching session with his disciples. He used this key phrase: Ask for anything in the name of Jesus and it will be yours. Ask and receive is the very definition of powerful prayer.

What it means to ask in the name of Jesus

There are five aspects to asking in his name. every request must fall into one of these areas, or you are not asking in Jesus’ name. Asking in Jesus’ name is not just routinely carelessly throwing those words onto the end of your prayer but it is a thoughtful and careful application of principles into your prayer life.

We can say the words “in Jesus’ name” and not be asking in his name at all. We can also ask in his name without even those words. To ask in Jesus’ name means we ask ensuring that we keep these five things consistent with our prayer.

The reputation of Jesus. He was all about the Father. He just wanted to bring glory to the Father and be obedient to the Father!

The character and personality of Jesus. Think about his character: how he thought and acted, his integrity and personality.

The attitude of Jesus. Jesus was humble and meek. He boldly used his authority to overcome evil, pain and suffering but he was never prideful.

The mission of Jesus. He said he came to seek and save the lost. He demonstrated the compassion and power of God but his mission was to conquer sin and death.

‘On behalf of Jesus.’ This is the reality that when we ask in Jesus’ name we must be confident he would ask for the same thing!

For a present day analogy, think of a parent. Think for a minute about what a parent would give for their children’s well-being. Here are five natural things every parent who is a follower of Jesus would like for their children.

1. To walk the life of a disciple: to be saved, sanctified and serving; to be assured of an eternal reward.
2. To be loved by family and friends.
3. To feel valued and important.
4. To have all their physical needs met (food, shelter, clothing, health).
5. To have other ‘special things’ that may be deemed beneficial; things such as stylish clothes, activities they enjoy, vacations, cell phones, video games, computers and other things that make them happy.

Powerful Prayer – in Practice

It is reasonable and biblical to think that God responds to us in much the same way.

1. He will give us everything we need to live a life that glorifies him.
2. He will give us an unlimited supply of love.
3. He will provide us with a family that loves, encourages and helps us.
4. He provides purpose, direction and fulfillment in our lives.
5. He will provide for our physical needs.
6. He will give us other good things as he deems beneficial!

Therefore, we can ask and, when we receive, be filled with joy. So when you pray be bold enough to ask. And when you ask in faith, you will be praying a powerful prayer!

• What will help you spiritually – ask.
• What will help you emotionally – ask.
• What will help you make a difference – ask.
• What do you need for direction and fulfillment – ask.
• What do you need physically – ask.
• What do you want? Talk to Jesus about it – and ask.

Direct access to the Father is part of our heritage as disciples of Jesus. We approach the Father knowing he has all knowledge, power and resources. We know he is loving, holy and righteous. He is the perfect One to have direct access to! And powerful prayer give us profound peace and assurance!

This is for our peace

We can have perfect peace because of our relationship with God and his promise to give us what we ask of him.

Trouble in the world – Overcomers through Jesus

Yes, there is trouble in the world. It has always been and it will always be. Trouble is what happens when people turn away from God. So trouble will always be. Our access to the throne of grace and to our Father in Heaven is possible through the blood of Jesus! And that access helps us overcome through Jesus and the power of the Spirit.