Today's Passage - John 14:13-15

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english John 14: 13-15   "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.  You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."   Jesus likes to see us praying to Him. There were numerous teachings about praying in His ministry. In the parable of the widow and the unrighteous judge, Jesus asked the crowd, "when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"  In other words, the question is not whether God listens to prayers, but are we like this widow praying to God with faith?  The Lord has listed some principles of prayers: first we need to pray in the name of our Lord. "In God's name" is not just a casual saying as these words have been used frequently by many as closings in their prayers.  Little do they understand fully the authority that comes with "in the name of our Lord", and, as a result, they cannot experience the power that it accompanies.   In reality, God's name is a name above all. In the Acts of the Apostles, the disciples were sent away in the name of the Lord to hold gatherings, to heal and cast out demons.  When Peter met the lame man, he said, "Silver or gold I do not have, what I have I give you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."  In the mid ages, the first Pope once told Saint Thomas, "You can see how wealthy we are now. We no longer have to say 'Silver or gold I do not have' like Peter."  Saint Thomas responded, "Nor can we say like Peter said, 'In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, walk'" This is a genuine depiction of the churches today. We no longer treasure the name of our Lord and even call upon His name in vain, and as a result we can no longer experience the full power that  it brings.     In addition, we should pray for what is in His glory.  Often times I hear prayers like this," Lord, please let me hit the Lotto.  I will immediately tithe one-tenth of my winning." Tithing one-tenth is obviously great, but isn't your real intention hoping for the nine-tenth of the winning? An effective prayer is one that seeks for His glory! Finally, to receive answers to your prayer, you need to follow His commands.  There are many promises in the Bible specially prepared for those who love God as recorded in  I Corinthians 2:9  " No eyes has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him."   How should one who loves God behave? Verse 15, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." The expression of love is submission.  When we learn to submit to God, His grace will be bestowed upon us because of our submission.  It is not that God is not graceful, the question really is: Do you love the Lord? May God's spirit help us so that we may learn to pray in His name; let God's name be glorified; and follow His commands.  If you have never prayed according to His teachings, I hope you will now bring your needs to God and pray to Him with zealousness!                          Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, we thank you for you have received all the authority, and you have given us this authority so that we may be victorious over our enemies.  As we pray, we ask for your hand of miracle and guidance.  With thanks we pray, in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!