John 14:13

John 14:13, in plain English

Jesus promises: whatever you ask in My name, I will do it, so that the Father is glorified. Prayer in Jesus' name is about aligning your heart with His purposes.

Why it's here

This is not a blank check for selfish requests. Praying 'in Jesus' name' means praying in step with who He is and what He cares about. When your desires align with His, amazing things happen.

Who's speaking

Jesus teaches His disciples about the power of prayer.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus gives His followers an extraordinary promise about prayer. When you ask in His name, aligned with His heart and mission, He will act. The result? God gets the glory, and the world sees His power at work through ordinary people.

The scholarly reading

Jesus promises to answer prayers made 'in My name' (en tō onomati mou), with the purpose of glorifying the Father through the Son. Praying 'in Jesus' name' means praying in alignment with His character and mission.

Language and setting

Prayer 'in Jesus' name' is not a magical formula but an expression of the believer's union with Christ and alignment with His will. The ultimate goal of answered prayer is the Father's glorification.

Voice

Jesus teaches the disciples about the nature and power of prayer in His name.

Significance

Jesus opens a new dimension of prayer: asking in His name. This is not about appending a formula to requests but about praying from within the relationship Jesus has with the Father. When prayer aligns with Jesus' mission, it becomes a conduit for the Father's glory.

11Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me—or at least believe on account of the works themselves.

12Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

13And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.

15If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

Read all of John 14 — In the upper room, Jesus comforts his terrified disciples. He promises them a place, a path, and a presence that will never leave them.