Imagine that Jesus is personally saying to you: “Whatever you will ask in My name, that will I do.”

What would you ask for?

Are you asking for those things now in your daily prayers?

Asking for something in Jesus’ name is not the spiritual equivalent of saying a “magic word” that makes your selfish desires come true. Jesus’ name holds all the power of the universe. The devil flinches and falls away when he hears it. Asking in Jesus’ name means requesting God for things that honor Christ and that allow you to be more like Him.

Greater faith. More diligence in prayer. Opportunities to serve. Courage to reach out to others to share the message of the Gospel. When you ask for such things first, all the rest — things of this world, like money, job security, and justice served to someone who offends you — may come.

When you ask for things that will bring honor and glory to God, He will always find ways to richly reward those who put Him first.