June 22

Answered Prayer

If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. — John 15:7 BSB

Our Lord expected answers to His prayers, and in all His teachings, He led us to believe that through prayer, we could obtain what would otherwise not come to us. He knew everything about natural law, yet He said, “If you ask anything of the Father in My Name, He will give it to you.”

When we look at the lives of those who have accomplished great things for God, it’s clear that they discovered a secret that escapes many of us. Here is a story from the biography of Dr. Burns Thomson: “As students, we often prayed together, making specific requests, and the Lord encouraged us by answering so clearly and quickly that we had no doubt the answers came from Him. Once, the answer came the same day; another time, while we were still praying. My friend often spoke of our agreement, giving glory to God who fulfilled His promises to us.” This is just one page from the great book of prayers, intercessions, and supplications recorded before God.

To prevail in prayer, it must be:

For the glory of the Father. Every petition should be examined with this in mind—will it glorify God? This is the purpose for which our Savior lives and pleads (John 14:13).

In Christ’s Name, which represents His nature. We must not just mention His Name at the end of our prayers; His Spirit must infuse every request we make.

We must bear fruit (John 15:16). Answers to prayer often depend on our ministry to others. If we are dedicated to accomplishing God’s purposes and seeking His Kingdom, we may ask for whatever is necessary to fulfill that mission.

We must abide in Christ. When we remain in Him, the Holy Spirit flows through us, producing desires and petitions like those Christ presents to the Father (John 15:7).

Prayer

Lord, You know all our desires. Complete what You have begun, and what Your Spirit has stirred us to ask in prayer. We seek Your face—show us Your glory. Amen.