Scripture Thursday #30 ~ Fullness of Joy

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name:
 ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
John 16:24

Prayer – a simple word, with such powerful meaning.  A task we understand but can’t comprehend except through faith.  

Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines prayer as:
In worship, a solemn address to the Supreme Being, consisting of adoration, or an expression of our sense of God's glorious perfections, confession of our sins, supplication for mercy and forgiveness, intercession for blessings on others, and thanksgiving, or an expression of gratitude to God for his mercies and benefits. A prayer however may consist of a single petition, and it may be extemporaneous, written or printed.

What is prayer? 

Prayer is talking with God, simple conversation. 

Prayer is asking God for something in accordance with His will,

and then demonstrating our faith by thanking God for answered prayer.

Prayer is asking or thanking God for something specific.

Today’s verse tells us:  ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24)

In Matthew 7 we’re told – ask (in Jesus’ name), and it shall be given you….for every one that asketh receiveth

and in Matthew 21:22 and all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

God ALWAYS answers prayer.  It may not be as we want or expect, but He HEARS and ANSWERS.  How?  By responding.  Yes, No, or Wait. 

God wants to supply our needs, not our greeds.  He is not a genie in a bottle granting wishes and He’s not in the business of making deals.  If you do this for me God, I’ll do that for you.  God knows what is best for us and wants us to depend on Him, by asking for our needs.  In return, he provides for us, opens the windows of heaven and pours out unmeasured blessings on us, and gives us the fullness of joy, that we so desire.  

There’s a beautiful hymn written about prayer, here are some of the lyrics to What a Friend we have in Jesus.

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Prayer is asking, seeking and knocking.  Have you had a prayer answered recently?  If not, it may be because you haven’t prayed one lately.  We all have some need or problem requiring supernatural intervention, which only God can do.  Why don’t you ask him?  This may be your first step towards a closer relationship with God.