In Jesus' name

"Did God really say..."
With those words Satan, who had already led legions of angels into an eternal state of separation from God, began his cruel campaign of deceit and death on earth. Let there be no doubt: he continues to sow the seeds of death with his lies, despite the fact that Christ's death and resurrection have sealed his fate and delivered God's children from a similar end.

One of Satan's favorite lies sounds something like this: "You don't honestly believe God is personally interested in you, do you!? He is far away and concerned about more important matters. Surely you don't think He'll hear your sniveling prayers -- much less answer them!"

Of course God IS interested in every human being. He loves to hear from us, even sending His Son Jesus Christ in order that we might have the privilege of direct access to Him. God instructs us in Scripture to come confidently into His presence through Jesus -- to talk to Him about everything. In the gospel of John, Jesus Himself gives us the assurance of answered prayer:

John 16:24
"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."

When He made this statement, Jesus was speaking to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. He did not say they had never before asked for anything in prayer, but He noted they had not asked in His name.

As believers in Christ, we are invited to ask in His name, because we belong to Him. To ask in His name means to ask in His authority and on His merit. Just as the Father answered Jesus' every prayer, so He will answer you when you ask in Jesus' name.

Do not listen to the lie. Claim God's promises, come to Him in prayer, and step forward in full expectation that He has heard and will answer.

* Acknowledgements to The Navigators and a Scripture memory booklet titled: "Beginning with Christ." See www.NavPress.com