29 April

TODAY’S VERSE

And if you ask for anything in my name, I will do it for you. Then the Father’s glory will be shown through the Son.

John 14:13 ICB

DEVOTIONAL

If you pray for a new bike, a perfect score on a test, or a trip to Legoland, would you expect that Jesus will give them to you, as long as you attach His name to the prayer? Jesus isn’t at your beck and call to give you everything you want, and that’s not what He meant when He said this. Jesus was talking to His disciples shortly before He went to the cross, reassuring them about what would happen after He went to be with His Father in heaven. He wanted them to know that He would leave work for them to do for His kingdom, work that would show people who Jesus is and bring glory to God. Jesus knew their prayers would be for things that would align with that, so He promised that He would do what they asked.

Does that mean that you can’t ever pray for things that you’re hoping for? Of course not! God delights in spending time with you and loves it when you talk to Him about anything and everything. You can tell Him about how your day has been, things you’re excited about, what’s happening at school, how you’re feeling, or even ask for a bike…BUT, He won’t answer every prayer with a yes and never promised that He would. God knows what you really need, and what you need most is to belong to Jesus. When you do, He has work for you too, to tell others about Jesus and pray for them. When your prayers line up with His heart and His will, He will do it!

PRAYER

Dear God, thank You that You love to hear all of my prayers. When I come to You, please help me to ask for things that align with Your will and bring glory to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.