Lent Guide: Ask Anything in My Name

During the season of Lent, each week we will publish a devotional on our blog. These devotionals will build off the Sunday sermons and will include Scripture readings, reflections, and prayer practices to guide you through Lent.

WEEK 2

READING: John 14:1-14

REFLECTION: If God answered every prayer you prayed this past week, what would happen? What would change? If I’m honest, there are weeks where the answer would be: Not much.

There are times we avoid prayer. There are times when our prayers are much too small.

In John 14:14, Jesus tells his disciples: “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Jesus talked this way a lot (see Luke 11:9; Mark 11:24; John 15:7; Matt. 21:22; Matt. 7:11).

These passages can be tough to make sense of, in light of our many unanswered prayers. But what if, instead of trying to figure out what Jesus meant, we simply allowed these words to lift our faith and energize our prayers?

What if Jesus, who has prepared a place for us in His Father’s house, has room in his heart right now to hear your prayers and bring the Kingdom into your present moment?

QUOTE: “True prayer, not just mindless, halfhearted petitions, is what digs the well God wants to fill with faith.” -Beth Moore

PRACTICE: Consider your prayer life. Has it grown stagnant? Are your prayers too safe, too boring? Where is your level of faith and trust? Take a moment to confess these things before God.

Then, practice praying bold prayers this week. Pray salvation over the person you know who is furthest from God. Pray for bodies healed, addictions eradicated, relationships restored, justice enacted in Jesus’ name. As you pray these bold prayers this week, what does it do to your faith? How does it change the way you view people and situations?

MORE READING: Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17; Matthew 17:1-9