ASK THE FATHER DIRECTLY

John 16:23-24
23 “In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full. (WEB)

In today's Bible reading, Jesus is telling His disciples that a time was soon coming when they would no longer ask Him questions. Jesus was pointing to the time when all who believed in Him would have direct access to His Father in His name.

Of course, praying 'in the name' of Jesus, is not primarily about just saying 'in Jesus' name' at the end of our prayers. Praying in the name of Jesus is all about us being completely and fully united with Christ so much so that when we pray to our Father, we are praying in the very person of Jesus Christ Himself.

In John 14:6, Jesus told us... I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. (WEB). Jesus is our very access to our Heavenly Father. It is in Jesus and through Jesus that we can ask our Father directly. And Jesus wants us to ask because He wants us to receive directly from His Dad so that we would be full of joy.

My prayer today is that we would all know that our elder brother has made a way for all of us to have direct access to our Father. May we know that it brings delight to our Father's heart to hear our prayers and to answer our prayers as well. He wants us to be full of joy knowing that He knows what we need even before we ask (Mathew 6:8). May we all have a new boldness in our hearts, knowing that we have access to our Father in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Having then a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold tightly to our confession. 15 For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need. (WEB)