John 14:13 “You can ask for anything in my name and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.”
This is a verse we hear often with the last part being omitted, which can take the meaning out of context. Jesus makes us a promise to give us what we ask for in His name. But to understand what He was saying we have to look at other comments Jesus made about prayer and most importantly about the will of God. If you read John 13:33 through 14:12 you see that Jesus was telling His disciples He would be leaving them and that His followers would be doing greater works than what He did. It’s important to keep this in mind when reading verse 13 because Jesus doesn’t say He will give them anything and everything they ask for. He says “ask for anything in my name” which implies that what is being asked for is consistent or in agreement with His will. Other verses that mention God’s will are Matthew 7:21 where it tells us that only those who do “the will of my Father” will enter into heaven. 1 John 2:17 tells us whoever does the will of the Father will live forever. 1 Peter 2:19 “For God is pleased when, conscious of His will, you patiently endure unjust treatment.” And of course, probably the most recognized verse that mentions God’s will is Matthew 6:10 “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Which, by the way, is where we find another verse that tells us “For everyone who asks, receives” (Matthew 7:8). And once again you have to read what comes before this verse to understand that your request must be in agreement with God’s will. Jesus also points out in John 14:13 that the request has a purpose and that is to bring glory to the Father. If our prayer request are made with pure motives and not selfish desires, then God will answer in a way that honors Him. Everything in our lives should be done in such a way that it glorifies God. When we keep in mind that God’s will should come before our own will and that honoring Him should be our goal, then we will find peace and satisfaction. Our self-centered nature will begin to subside as our love for Christ grows and His ways become our ways. Until next time may God bless you and bring peace to your heart.