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

Thursday, October 18, 2018

"In that day you will not ask me for anything. I tell you the truth. My Father will give you anything you ask for in my name. You have never asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive. And you will be truly happy.
"I have told you these things, using words that hide the meaning. But the time will come when I will not use words like that to tell you things. I will speak to you in plain words about the Father. In that day you will ask the Father for things in my name. I am saying that I will not need to ask the Father for you. No! The Father himself loves you. He loves you because you have loved me. And he loves you because you have believed that I came from God."
— John 16:23-27 NLT
Illustration of John 16:23-27 NLT — My Father will give you anything you ask for in my name.

Key Thought

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

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.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 2:16-18
  • Romans 8:26-27
  • 1 Timothy 2:5

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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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