May 15th, 2024

St. Barnabas Anglican Parish, Bluff. 
11.05.24
John 16:23-28
New International Version

23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

25 “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the father.”

REFLECTION
We pray in Jesus' name. Why? Because Jesus is our Mediator, and the Holy Spirit is our Intercessor. They give us the right to go directly to the father with the burdens of our hearts, the struggles of our lives, and the weakness in our faith. We go boldly as the Father's beloved children, with Jesus, our older brother, as our Mediator. We go confidently, knowing that the Holy Spirit makes our words and our inexpressible feelings known to the Father according to his will. Because of Jesus' work for us at the Father's side and his gift of the Holy Spirit to us, we can speak directly to the Creator of the universe and know that we are heard, and that God responds. Incredible!

PRAYER

Father, God of all creation and Lord of the universe and history, thank you for hearing my prayers, knowing my heart, and bidding me come to you as your child. I know that you provide this grace to me at the cost of Jesus' leaving heaven and coming to earth to die for me. I pray that my life will be a fitting tribute and praise for all that you have done for me. In Jesus' name, I pray.

Amen.