Praise & Pray

Jesus taught His disciples that if they prayed in His name, God would answer them (John 16:23). He also said something amazing in John 16:26-27 - In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.

He promised that because they believed in Him, God would love them, and as a result, He wouldn't need to plead for anything on their behalf. Instead, God would be triggered to move for them because they loved Him. If we believe Jesus wasn't a liar, then we must take Him at His word that the disciples' love for Him would be enough to answer their prayers.

And if we believe this, then we must ask ourselves certain questions. First, are we disciples of Jesus? Second, do we believe in Him? Third, do we love Him? These questions seem easy to answer, but we should take a second before responding.

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? The early disciples agreed with Jesus's teachings and applied them. They shared the good news and encouraged others to 'taste and see.' They saw Him perform miracles and observed Him living a lifestyle that reflected the scriptures at work. Their relationship was such that He even called them His friends.​

On the issue of loving Him, Jesus revealed what this meant in John 21. He stressed that the way to love Him was to take care of others. The activities of the early church reflected this. They prayed for people, shared their belongings and food with others, and met the group's needs.

If we have chosen to make Jesus our Lord and Savior and follow the Holy Spirit's leading, then we are His disciples in this age. Like the disciples of old, we can benefit from the assurances He gave in John 16:26-27 and elsewhere. These promises are our right as those who are known by His name. All we have to do is meet the requirements to receive.

We need to lovingly share the gospel with others. The best way to do this is by how we live our lives. Especially when we think nobody is watching. We need to agree with what Jesus taught and put it into action. As we apply His instructions with the help of the Holy Spirit, we become more like what God wants to see when He looks at us - fruitful vessels through which the earth is blessed.

Believers are empowered to pray and see things happen. They should put God's concerns first, knowing that He will give to them all they need (Mark 8:33; Matthew 6:33). Regular Bible study and applying the word will help us remain in Jesus and ensure we are true disciples (John 15:4). God knows we are imperfect. Still, He wants our submission and to let Him transform us.

We must remember that we cannot deceive Him. He knows those striving for righteousness and those who aren't. He also will not fulfill detestable prayers, and He cannot be manipulated or commanded. So, we must allow Him to teach us how to pray and live as disciples who reap the rewards of discipleship and relationship with His Son. The Lord will help us.

As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:​

1. The Name of Jesus Pt 1​

2. The Name of Jesus Pt 2​

3. Look out for what you prayed for​

4. The Answered Prayers You Don't See​

5. Take Jesus At His Word​

6. Do You Love Jesus?​

7. The Currency of Faith​

8. Expect the Exceedingly and Abundantly​

9. Ask, Don't 'Tell' With God​

10. Fruitfulness Brings Answered Prayers​

11. Doubt Kills Prayers​

12. Topic: Love​

13. Topic: God's Love​

14. Topic: Jesus Christ​

15. Topic: Faith, Trust, Belief in God​

16. Topic: God's Rewards