Some of the most misinterpreted words of Jesus are recorded in John 14:13. “You can ask for anything in my name and I will do it,…” This is exciting news to the uninformed Christian. New Christians often latch onto this verse with great enthusiasm and pray for all kinds of things. When something doesn’t happen, it can lead to varying conclusions. Maybe I didn’t have enough faith or didn’t ask in the right way. More to the point, maybe I can’t trust God and His Word isn’t true. The verse can lead to misunderstanding, anger, guilt, and frustration. Some walk away from God because He didn’t do what they asked him to do. Just knowing Scripture isn’t enough; understanding Scripture is the key. Theology can’t be built on a single statement or verse pulled out of context. Understanding Scripture involves looking at the context: Who wrote the passage, what is the situation, what is the theme, and what is happening in the verses preceding and following the passage? In this specific passage, the verse concludes as follows: “so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” OHHH!! There’s the qualifier!

Scriptures – John 14:13, 26; Mark 11:24-25; 1 Peter 3:7; James 1:6-7, 4:3; Proverbs 16:2; Matthew 6:9-10, 9:29-30; 1 John 5:14-15

Verses – You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. (Jn 14:13) But the Advocate, The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (Jn 14:26) When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (Js 4:3) But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. (Js 1:6-7)

Thought – To get to the heart of a passage, look at the situation, the author, the audience, and the theme. The best way to understand the Bible is with the Bible, the whole Bible. This is very important. Also, to interpret Scripture correctly, you need to understand other verses on the topic. This gives a fuller, holistic understanding. As you read and study the Scriptures the Holy Spirit teaches you, and you grow and have more understanding (Jn 14:26). What does God care about when you pray? Mark 11 says that when you pray you should have your relationships in order, you should not be holding anything against anyone. In 1 Peter 3, Scripture says that husbands should treat their wives with understanding, otherwise their prayers will be hindered. Relationships affect your prayer life. In James 4:3 we learn that motives are important when you pray. If your motives are selfish, then you aren’t in line with God’s word. Faith also matters when it comes to prayer. Matthew 9:29-30 records Jesus’ encounter with two men who were blind, Jesus says, “According to your faith, let it be done to you.” Their sight was restored. Answered prayer is the result of confidence in God’s power. You don’t have to have great big faith, but you must have some faith…even the size of a mustard seed. And always remember that God’s will matters! Our prayers are not answered according to our will, how hard we pray, or how much we want what we pray for. Our prayers are answered to bring glory to God through Jesus…His will be done!

Questions – Were you raised in a “name it and claim it” theology? If so, explain. What is the most frequent content of your prayers? Do you believe your motives line up with God’s will? Do you have the same faith for all your prayers, or does it vary? If it varies, why? Do all the qualifiers for prayer being answered encourage you? Why or why not?

Response – Spend time studying the Scripture passages you have been claiming. Search for the context and make sure you understand the intent of the verse. As you read and study, the Holy Spirit will open your eyes to more and more truth! 

Prayer – (Mt 6:9-10) Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Keep my heart in tune with your Spirit and with your will. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.