“Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:9 HCSB
When my children were younger, I did not look forward to going to the store with them. Without fail they would see something on a shelf they wanted; a toy, some candy, even a sugary cereal. Knowing that I was going to be bombarded with “Can I have this?” or “Can we get some of these?” I would practice in my mind my answer, “No, not today.” or “No, we really do not need that.” I am sure every parent has had a similar experience.
Our Heavenly Father has experienced such decisions when we, as His children, make requests of Him. Just as an earthly parent must discern what is best for his children and often says “No,” our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us and often says “No.” If He gave us all we ask for, it would not be good for us.
“In My name” means to submit to and carry out God’s plan. As we get to know Christ more intimately, we know what He would want in a given situation. Our prayer requests should be in line with what God would want rather than what we want. God is not a vending machine that just gives us what we want. He will always give us what is best, even when we do not understand it.
Challenge: For what are you asking? Do your requests line up with what God wants? Always pray that God’s will be done rather than your will. If it is God’s will, you can be assured it is what will be best for you or the person for whom you are praying.