Looking back at Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and 1 Corinthians 2, Jesus wanted us to be one as he is with the Father. He put his Spirit in us, his mind in us, his heart, so that we could join Him in his works. Jesus says if we abide in him and his words in us we could ask for anything (John 15:7). He also said if two or more gathered in his name and agreed on something we’d receive it (Matthew 18:19-20). I’m trying too remember if I said this before, but that gives us the accountability we need so that we know we aren’t asking “amiss” for selfish reasons (James 4:3).
Asking in Jesus’ name is asking with him in mind, not a magic word. The magic word did not work for the seven sons of Sceva (Acts 19:14-16). You pray for discernment to know what God’s will is and what he approves of. These men, though they prayed for something admirable (the exorcism of a man) they did it only for pride and prestige, not out of love. You can see why many pastors many evangelists can’t seem to heal and fake it. God hates that because it kills the hope of those who are hurting and breeds uncertainty. Love always hopes, always perseveres, always trust, but hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12). Many teachers are guilty of inoculating the church to the promises of God.
Do not let your hearts become hard.
r.b. bamburg 