And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

1 John 5:14-15

Dear God, this verse 14 kind of goes with the verse that says if we ask anything in your name it will be given to us (John 14:13). Years ago, I remember praying through that verse and deciding that praying in your name was equal to praying in agreement with your will over mine. So if I am asking for something then praying in your name does NOT mean tagging on the word “in Jesus’ name I pray” to the end of my prayer (although that is a good reminder that I am under the grace and power of Jesus resurrection every time I pray to you). It means that I am praying in alignment with Jesus’ identity and my desires are purely for your will.

I’m in a situation right now that feels like your providence. It feels like you have answered a big, miraculous “YES” to what my wife and I have prayed about for nearly a year. The problem was that the timing of my request was bad. You have worked out so many good things by giving us the timing you gave us, and while I was frustrated with this process went along slowly, I was able to just submit to your answer of either “no” or “not yet” (I couldn’t tell which you were answering at the time) and press on with what you gave me to respond to in the moment.

Father, for every good example of me doing it the right way, I can give 10 examples (at least) of me getting it wrong. So help me to remember these lessons and to seek out your heart and what pleases you as I decide what petitions to bring to you and how to bring them. I want to do all of this for your glory.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen