Complete Joy

Whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. (John 16:23) 

What does it mean to ask the Father in Jesus’ name when we pray? According to Jewish tradition, a person’s name was not just the word you would use to get their attention. To speak in a person’s name was to speak in his or her place, as an ambassador would speak for the president. It was as if that person were right there with you, lending his authority to your words. So when Jesus invites us to pray in his own name, he is giving us a high privilege indeed!

An ambassador can speak in his president’s name because he knows his president very well. He knows what is on the president’s heart and how his president would respond to a given situation.

This is the kind of relationship Jesus wants you to have with him. He wants you to come to know him deeply and intimately. He wants to teach you to love the things he loves, to see the world through his eyes of mercy, and to treat each other with the same tenderness he treats you.

In fact, instead of thinking in terms of an ambassador, perhaps we should think in terms of a husband and wife or a very close brother and sister. Think about how a husband and wife anticipate each other’s needs and desires. Or think about how two brothers might finish each other’s sentences.

Of course, this doesn’t happen immediately. It takes time, just as it takes time for our relationship with the Lord to deepen. We can’t expect ourselves to know everything about Jesus right away, so we certainly can’t expect to get it right every time we try to pray for someone. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. 

Day after day, as you offer your loved ones to the Lord in prayer, try your best to pray for them as you think Jesus would. Over time, something marvelous will happen: Jesus will draw closer to you and help you understand him more deeply. And that will affect the way you will pray tomorrow. And so on, and so on, and so on.

What a privilege it is to pray in the power of the name of Jesus!

“Jesus, I pray for my loved ones in your name today. Take us all into your heart, and shape us according to your will.”

from wau.org

Super joy

They left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. (Acts 5:41)

It’s easy to imagine superheroes winning battles using their superhuman strength and speed, but can you imagine beating your opponents with superhuman joy?

This is the situation in today’s readings. Members of the Sanhedrin were frustrated by how unstoppable the apostles seemed. They had them thrown in jail, but an angel released them, and they went right back to preaching at the Temple. When they were brought once more before the council, the elders were wringing their hands: how do you stop a group of people who seem genuinely happy, no matter what happens to them? Not even a flogging could defeat their spirits! 

The apostles rejoiced that they could suffer in imitation of their Master, and then they continued preaching—even in the Temple. Again!

Where did this joy come from? And even more to the point, how can we get some of it? Here is a three-step process that may help.

First of all, try your best to be as courageous as the apostles were. As you do, you’ll find the Holy Spirit giving you a new energy and excitement. That’s the beginning of joy.

Second, keep your mission in the forefront of your mind. Even when you’re washing dishes at home or building a spreadsheet at work, remember that you are here to witness to Jesus. The more you keep this perspective, the more you’ll rise above minor distractions and road bumps.

Finally, don’t let hardship get you down. Keep moving forward, remembering that Christ is in you, no matter what happens. Even if fulfilling your mission causes you some suffering, he is still there to give you all that you need to put one foot ahead of the other.

Superhuman joy may seem unattainable, but remember the apostles’ story. You can be just as joyful if you work toward the goal. Flex your “joy muscles” a little more every day so that you can grow stronger and stronger. Before you know it, you’ll be smiling even in the midst of the greatest of challenges!

“Lord, help me find the path to joy. Help me stay focused on you so that I can learn to rejoice in all things.”

from wau.org