Wide Open Invitation (Jn 14:13-14; 15:7,16; 16:23-24)

Yesterday's reading was John 13-16.

1. The wide open invitation is "ask." Prayer is asking God. What is it that you want? Does Jesus want it too? You don't have because you don't ask (Jam 4:2).
2. The wide open invitation is vague. The invitation is "anything" or "whatever." These two words include everything that could ever concern you.
3. The wide open invitation has qualifiers. Qualifier #1: You must ask in Jesus' name (in His authority, confidence and will). To ask "in Jesus' name," you must know what Jesus desires (1 Jn 5:14-15). Qualifier #2: You must "remain" in Christ and His words. This speaks to union, closeness, relationship and surrender. Fill your heart with what Jesus said. Read what Jesus did. Make Him your life. Qualification #3: Character. "Fruit" if you prefer. Where there is character (Christ-likeness -- Gal 5:22-23), there is expectation of answered prayer. Qualification #4: Assurance of direct access to the Father. God the Father hears you because of the successful, powerful work of Jesus on the cross. God hears you because you have become a son through Jesus (Jn 1:12).