What Jesus Did! 'Go Directly to the Father' — John 16:23-27

Sunday, October 18, 2026

[Jesus continued, "When you rejoice after your sorrow,] you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. Then you will ask in my name. I'm not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God."

— John 16:23-27 NLT

Key Thought

We pray in Jesus' name. Why? Because Jesus is our Mediator and the Holy Spirit is our Intercessor. They give us the right to go directly to the Father with the burdens of our hearts, the struggles of our lives, and the weakness in our faith. We go boldly as the Father's beloved children, with Jesus, our older brother, as our Mediator. [1] We go confidently, knowing that the Holy Spirit makes our words and our inexpressible feelings known to the Father according to his will. Because of Jesus' work for us at the Father's side and his gift of the Holy Spirit to us, we can speak directly to the Creator of the universe and know that we are heard and that God responds. Incredible!

[1] Galatians 3:19-20; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8:6.

Today's Prayer

Father, God of all creation and Lord of the universe and history, thank you for hearing my prayers, knowing my heart, and bidding me come to you as your child. I know that you provide this grace to me at the cost of Jesus' leaving heaven and coming to earth to die for me. I pray that my life will be a fitting tribute and praise for all that you have done for me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of John 16:23-27 NLT — "When you rejoice after your sorrow,] you won't need to ask me for anything."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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