Today's Reading: John 16:23-33

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 3:1-16, 39-48; Luke 14:25-15:10

"Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you." (John 16:23b)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Today is Rogate Sunday, which is Latin for "Pray ye." As we continue to celebrate the resurrection of The LORD Jesus Christ, we gain important insight about prayer. Christians who are "in Christ" pray and pray and pray, so it makes sense that today's theme is "pray ye." It's what those who belong to the RISEN Savior do.

But what is the relationship between Christ's resurrection and prayer? In a very important sense, no one can call God "My Father" like Jesus can. Jesus is "begotten" of the Father, the only One in the universe with this distinction. That means that Jesus eternally progresses from the Father. He is One with the Father and extends from the Father with God's nature, power, and authority. This "extension" however does not make Christ subordinate; He is very God of very God. This is a theological progression, not a time-based one or a rank. In this sense, Jesus calls the Father "My Father" in a way that no one else can, and yet, Christ's resurrection even changed prayer for every child of God who is baptized into Jesus.

Jesus is our Mediator and will be forever, and yet at the same time, because our Mediator is so close to the Father, Jesus shares this closeness with you and me! You can now come to the heavenly Father directly in the Name of Jesus. Christ has won direct access to God for you! Jesus is our bridge to the Father (the WAY, John 14:6), and at the same time, Jesus wants you to know that His Father is yours, too. In John 14:26-27 He says, "In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God." Heaven is now open to you, Christian. You can now pray directly to the Father. God listens to you because He listens to His Son who covers you. God answers you because He answers His Son in whom you're wrapped; and God loves to receive your prayers. So, pray ye! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our LORD, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Collect for the Sixth Sunday of Easter)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch