A Transforming Union

John 14:8-14

“Through Jesus Christ our Lord” or “In Jesus’ name” are not just formalities at the end of a prayer. They signify a desire to be aligned with Jesus' purposes. It goes without saying, I hope, that just adding them doesn’t make it a reality. To pray in Jesus’ name is an outcome of union with him, and therefore also with the Father. If that is the reality, we will pray with a concern that whatever we pray will lead to furthering the work Jesus started in his earthly ministry. God will certainly honour that!

Does that leave room for praying for, say, help with an exam, or for help through any anxious time? Of course! For one thing, like any loving parent God just loves to hear from us with any request. Secondly, as we continually grow in our walk with Jesus it becomes more and more the reality that any and all prayers we bring to God – even those that might seem selfish in some way – end up glorifying him because we dedicate every aspect of our life to him.

To put it another way, life in union with Jesus is the truly free life, because there is nothing that is not turned to the purpose of glorifying God. We live with joyful, open hands, just giving everything to him.

Prayer:
God, what a warm, wonderful thought to know you care about my every care. Thank you. Reveal to me today how some personal or seemingly selfish concern can be transformed through my union with your Son to work to your glory. Amen.