And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:23-24)
God wants your joy to be complete! In John 16:23-24, Jesus explained that fullness of joy comes from answered prayer. Some people get weary and want to stop praying because they don’t experience the fullness of joy from answered prayer.
Prayer was never called to be a religious requirement. It was always designed to be an intimate time between God and His children.
Jesus told the disciples they would no longer ask Him things after He rose from the dead. Instead, they would ask the Father in Jesus' authority.
Praying “in Jesus’ name” isn’t a form of magic or a magical formula. It acknowledges His authority and character and our relationship with Him that allows us to use His authority.
Our authority comes from our life in Him. When we say, “In Jesus’ name, Amen,” we are not signing off on our prayer time. It’s not a closing statement to let God know we are done. It says, “I am in Christ, and Christ is in me, and Jesus has all authority. Because of this, I am in full agreement that everything that He said and everything we prayed about will be done as we have said together.” We expect our prayers to be answered and our joy will be full because we pray with authority and in alignment with God’s Word and character.
Practical Application
When you finish your prayer today and say, “In Jesus’ name, amen,” say it slowly. Think about what that means. Then, thank God for the authority Jesus has given you in prayer.