Contemplative Bible Reading

John 16:23-24 (New Living Translation)

23 At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24 You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

Jesus changes how we pray in His instructions to His followers. “You will,” i.e., in the future you ask God using my name.”

“You haven’t done this before,” i.e., “You haven’t prayed using my name before.”

Jesus concludes with, “In the future, ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.”

Perhaps this is a small point. Perhaps this is merely a change of format. Perhaps this is a miracle that we each enjoy each time we pray to God using the name of Jesus.

Let us joy in this miracle, often.