Bible Reading: John 11:1-44
Today’s Bible reading relates the events surrounding the death of Jesus’ friend, Lazarus. Lazarus had been dead for four days when Jesus arrived at the tomb. Standing in front of Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus
prayed saying, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
Notice the word I bolded, the word knew. Jesus didn’t think that God heard His prayers. Jesus’ didn’t believe His father heard His prayers. Jesus knew!
Jesus prayed in total confidence that His Heavenly Father listened to and heard every word. He fully expected God to answer Him and give Him whatever He asked for.
How could Jesus pray with such confidence?
Jesus knew some other things – Jesus knew that God is all-knowing. Jesus knew that God loved Him and Lazarus. Jesus knew that God's concern for His children is unlimited. Jesus knew that God is always ready and willing to do good for His children.
You can pray as confidently as Jesus prayed. Jesus tells us in John 14:13, “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.”
Be bold. Talk to God now. Tell Him about your deepest needs. Ask Him to give you what you need. Claim the power and authority to pray in Jesus’ name. God will answer.
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the freedom I have to come to you boldly and talk to You about whatever is on my heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.