You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!  John 14:13-14

 Many people treat God as if He were a heavenly Santa Claus figure or even a magic genie, believing if they ask hard enough, pray long enough, or behave well enough, He will hand over whatever they want.  Their wish will be granted. When prayers are answered the way they hoped (wished), they rejoice. But when the answer is “no,” “wait,” or “not now” disappointment and frustration often follow. This happens because they misunderstand who God truly is. “You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it” does not mean that we should ask for material things we want. Instead, we should make sure our desires align with God’s desires. When that happens, then we can ask for anything in His name because it will be His desires and His will.

God is not a cosmic vending machine designed to fulfill every human desire like in a Disney movie. He is our Creator, Father and Lord and His wisdom reaches far beyond what we can see. Sometimes what we ask for may actually harm us, distract us, or pull us away from His purpose. He is a loving Father and just like an earthly loving parent does not give a child everything they demand, in the same way, God who loves us unconditionally, lovingly guides us according to His perfect will.

Prayer is not about controlling God; it is about drawing closer to Him. Prayer is not a transaction, but a relationship where we bring our needs, fears and hopes to God and He  calls us to trust Him when His answers differ from our expectations. Take some time to pray and ask God to place His desires in your heart, so you will know what He wants for you. Have faith that His plan is wiser than yours. Thanks be to God!

Patty