33. Whatsoever you Will—

John 15:7 (NRSV) If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, 

ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

The whole place of the branch in the vine is one of unceasing prayer. Without interruption it is forever calling: O my Vine, send the sap I need to bear Your Fruit. And its prayers are never unanswered: it asks what it needs, what it will, and it is done.

The healthy life of the believer IN Christ is equally one of unceasing prayer. Consciously or unconsciously, he lives in continual dependence. The Word of his Lord, "You can do nothing," has taught him that not more unbroken than the continuance of the branch in the vine, must be his asking and receiving. The promise of our text gives us infinite boldness: "Ask whatsoever you will, and it shall be done unto you."

This promise is given in direct connection with fruit-bearing. Limit it to yourself and your own needs, and you rob it of its power—you rob yourself of the power of appropriating it. Christ was sending these disciples out, and they were ready to give their life for the world; to them He gave the disposal of the treasures of Heaven. Their prayers would bring the Spirit and the Power they needed for their work.

To avail ourselves of the unlimited prayer promises, we must be believers who are filled with God’s Holy Spirit, and wholly given up to the work and glory of Jesus. His Spirit will lead us into the Truth of its meaning and the certainty of its fulfillment.