If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. — John 14:14 | sermon by Father.Mungamuri Devadasu

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. — John 14:14

Explanation:

All the promises written in the Bible are encompassed in this statement. These words were spoken by the Lord to His disciples, and they apply to all disciples of every age. What does "in my name" mean? Every believer, at the end of their prayers, says, "In the name of Jesus, listen to us," and through this, their prayers are fulfilled. The term "name" signifies the removal of obstacles. No matter how many people invoke my name, the evil spirits who create obstacles are not afraid. But when the name of Jesus is invoked, they tremble. Obstacles come from the devil, and when the name of Jesus is lifted, the devil flees, and the obstacles also disappear. When the name of Jesus is proclaimed, the devil flees from the sinner, and sin also flees. When the name of Jesus is proclaimed, the demon flees, and the disease also flees. Similarly, in all troubles, one can remember and grasp this truth. As it was once said, when the name of the homeowner is heard, the thief runs away. The name of Jesus is the most excellent and supreme name given for the use of common people. When the name of Jesus is proclaimed, the Lord Jesus comes. When He comes, the devil flees, and when the devil flees, all troubles disappear.

The phrase "I will do it" signifies the certainty of fulfilling a promise. This verse itself is a divine assurance that whatever we need, we must ask for it. The act of asking is expressed in different ways—pleading, crying out, and praying. Though the words may vary, their essence remains the same: seeking from God. The choice of words depends on one’s relationship with Him. When there is no immediate fulfilment, we cry out; when there is a delay, we plead persistently, like someone desperate. Prayer encompasses all these aspects, but ultimately, everything comes down to asking. However, true asking requires familiarity with God—without a close relationship, one cannot confidently approach Him. Some may wonder, "Is simply asking enough? Must we cry out or persistently plead for it?" Therein lies the mystery. True asking is free of hesitation and unnecessary burdens—it is a simple request and reception. This privilege is not for everyone but for those who truly believe, as the Scripture reminds us: "Ask, and it will be given to you."

Among all the words in this verse, "ask" stands out as the most significant. It encompasses everything a person could ever need. There is no distinction between this or that—it applies universally, offering hope and joy to anyone, even the most discouraged. The Lord did not specify what can be asked; rather, He declared that anything can be asked, whether simple or difficult, possible or impossible. Just as a child approaches a father with confidence, so too can we approach God with boldness.

Consider how marvelous, vast, and generous this promise is! Some may wonder, "If I do not plead, cry out, or persist in prayer but simply ask, will He still give?" The answer lies within the very act of asking. If asking is the greatest thing we can do, is fulfilling that request too difficult for the Lord? However, before asking, one must cultivate a relationship with God, have faith, and develop a heart ready to receive. Once that foundation is established, there is no limit to what can be asked.

Bible students would do well to write this verse on the first page of their study materials, as it serves as a guiding principle for the prayer room. Imagine a believer saying, "O Lord, I have entered the prayer room, but I do not have much time to pray. So, I will simply ask what I need and leave." Would God deny them? Certainly not! The depth of one’s relationship with Him determines the freedom and confidence with which they ask.