You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:12-14 NIV
Lord Jesus, I know you and the Scriptures well enough not to treat you like a computer waiting to be programmed, or a vending machine passively responding to our selections. You’re not a private Genie giving us three wishes; you’re our sovereign Master, numbering our days and hairs.
That being said, you DO delight in us asking and our trusting you for things that seem impossible—things beyond our control, things that will bring you glory. Here’s what I’m asking of you on this Friday in July.
Jesus, I don’t ask for condos, cars and cash; or acclaim, appreciation, and applause. I ask you to astonish my heart, all over again, with your beauty, love, and grace. Cause my knees to buckle with wonder, my feet to dance with delight, and my heart to beat with joy. I’d love to live in a state of perpetual first-love affection for you, now till heaven (Rev. 2:4).
And please continue to heal the wounds in my story, and the wrong thinking in my head. Free me to love and forgive, as you love me and have forgiven me. Give me thicker skin around irritating, angry, and pushy people; and a bigger heart to love and enjoy people different from me—politically, spiritually, culturally.
Grant me quick, specific, joyful repentances. Sabotage my attempts at blaming others for my lousy attitudes and poor choices. Increase my capacity to stay present and engaged in relationships. Help me hear people clearly, and not put my meaning on their words.
Free me to love your church more than ever; see your hand and heart at work everywhere I look; and serve and encourage others every day. So very Amen I pray, in your holy, joyful, sovereign name.
