Prayer in His Name

John 14:13 "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."

Our Lord is not only powerful; He not only has all authorithy in heaven and earth; He not only is he King of kings and the Lord of lords, He is gracious. He is generous. He is good. He offers himself to us. Scripture tells us that He has ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. Scripture tells us that He has been given a name that is above every name--that at the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow. He offers to us, his beloved sheep, the use and advantage of his exalted position, his glorious name.

I remember back in 1990, just after Susan and I were married, that I had been struggling with a bad case of eczema all over my arms for months. It had gotten so bad that I wore long sleeve shirts all the time so I would not be embarrased. One morning as I was preparing for the day, this very verse came to my mind. I was struck with the realization that these words were trustworthy and true. Jesus was staking his reputation and faithfulness on the line. I was really believing it was true. I had a strange joy start to well up inside as I realized that because of this verse, my skin was going to get better. This gift of faith continued. Within two weeks, without doing anything special, the eczema was gone and has never returned!

"One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4)

As I sat in the hospital chapel with tears of petition in my eyes, this very verse came back to me. This time, it was not my skin but my precious baby boy's life that was on the line. And I thank my Lord Jesus that he is the same yesterday and today and forever. For I asked in his name and He answered. He spared my baby's life.

Psalm 145:5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, andI will meditate on your wonderful works. 6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. 7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. 8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

Oh Lord, why have you chosen to be so good to me and my household? We fall so short of honoring you as is your due. Our devotion is not complete nor our ways pure before you. Yet you have served us and have displayed great goodness and kindness to us. You have demonstrated that your arm is not too short to save and that you offer yourself on behalf of those who call on your name. We have cried out to you and you have not dismissed our cries but have used your power on our behalf. Lord, may you be glorified in the sight of all.