Day 155: 2 Chronicles 13-15; John 14:1-17

Does Jesus really offer us a blank check? "If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it" (John 14:14, CSB). Surely sounds like a blank check. Put that in its context and you get a wonderfully complete picture. Everything starts with a deep and abiding relationship between Lord and disciple. It is out of a loving obedience (v.15) that Christ seals our relationship (Ephesians 1:13-14), filling us with the deep intimacy of His presence...the One with us becomes the One in us (v.17) and everything flows out of that marvelous communion. Now prayer is more about relationship than it is about getting what I want. The greater things (v.12) that we accomplish are just that because they issue from the heart of Christ in union with His disciples and answer His call to carry out His mission to the ends of the earth. This is where His authority lies. This kind of prayer is power. As E.M. Bounds says, it must be cultivated: "It must be habitual, but it must be much more than just a habit...It is the expression of a relationship with God, a yearning for divine communion." Indeed, Oswald Chambers, you are accurate in your assessment: "The goal of prayer is not answers. The goal of prayer is God."

Lord, I want to know You! Let Your presence and glory shine out through me as You answer my prayer in power that is undeniably the work of Your hand. Your kingdom come! Your will be done!