Today is August 15.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 14.  
 

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.  
 

Jesus is talking here with his disciples… those he called his friends. Sometimes, when we read this passage, we might think about it in an exacting way: ‘does this mean, if I pray for anything I want, and then say ‘in jesus name!’ I’ll get it? Instead of thinking about this scripture in an exacting way, can you think about the depth of what Jesus is trying to communicate to his friends? He seems to be trying to get them to understand that even when he is gone to His father, when he appears far off, that he wants them to continue to ask him for things…  Are there any requests that you have for Jesus, as you come to Him in prayer now?  
  
Throughout scripture, God teaches His people that He is their provider. He is our good shepherd. And He says that not only can we ask for His provision, but also that we can hear his voice. Listen again to His words, and as you do, try to consider what it was like for the disciples to hear Jesus say these things… Imagine His gentle and earnest tone of voice, and how it would have felt to them that Jesus would say such generous words to them. 
  
Think, as we end, about what it means that Jesus says to you… “you may ask me…” Take some time to quiet your heart, and bring your requests to Jesus. 
 
Music: "Heaven's Work" -Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)