“And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.”
— John 14:13-14
These words of Jesus are breathtaking. They stir faith. They’ve inspired prayers that have moved mountains, healed the sick, restored marriages, and opened impossible doors.
But if we’re honest… they also raise a difficult question:
If Jesus promised to do whatever we ask in His name—why doesn’t it always happen?
I’ve seen miraculous answers to prayer. Healings. Provisions. Salvations. Life transformations. But I’ve also prayed fervently, sincerely, and faithfully in Jesus’ name, and yet the answer seemed to be no, or at best, not yet. If that’s you right now—if you’ve been praying and asking, but the answer hasn’t come— Here are some thoughts that have helped me wrestle through this.
1. “In Jesus’ Name” Is More Than a Phrase
Saying “in Jesus’ name” isn’t a magic formula that guarantees results. In the Bible, a name represents a person’s nature, authority, and will. So to pray in Jesus’ name means to ask:
- According to His will
- In alignment with His character
- With a desire that the Father be glorified
It’s not just about closing the prayer with the right words—it’s about the heart behind it. Am I asking for something that reflects Jesus’ heart, mission, and purposes?
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
— 1 John 5:14
2. God Is Glorified, Even When He Says “Wait” or “No”
Jesus says the purpose of answered prayer is that “the Father may be glorified in the Son.” But sometimes, God is glorified more through our perseverance than through the quick fix.
Think of the Apostle Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” He pleaded three times for it to be removed—but God said no.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9
The unanswered prayer led Paul to a deeper dependence, a stronger grace, and a fuller revelation of Christ’s power.
3. God’s Timing Isn’t Our Timing
One of the hardest parts of prayer is the waiting. But delay is not denial. Some of the greatest answers to prayer come later, not immediately. Think of Abraham, Joseph, David—all received promises, but the answers unfolded over years, not days.
God is more interested in forming our character than fixing our circumstances. Prayer is often part of that refining process.
4. Faith Isn’t Just Believing God Will—It’s Trusting Him When He Doesn’t
Jesus Himself, in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed:
“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.”
— Luke 22:42
Even Jesus—the perfect Son of God—submitted His will to the Father. This is the model for us. Faith isn’t just bold asking; it’s humble trusting.
5. Sometimes the Answer Is Hidden in a Bigger Plan
Job never found out why he suffered. But he discovered something deeper—who God is. And that was enough.
There’s mystery here. Some prayers will remain unanswered in this life, and we won’t always understand why. But we can still say, with Job:
“Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him.”
— Job 13:15
Encouragement for You Today
If you’re walking through a season of waiting or disappointment, I want to encourage you:
- God has heard you. Your prayers are not wasted.
- God is at work. Even when you don’t see it.
- God is faithful. He will not forget His promises to you.
Keep praying. Keep trusting. And keep praying in His name—not as a formula, but as a relationship. That kind of praying changes things. And even more—it changes you.
Final Thought
Sometimes the greatest miracle is not the answer to prayer, but the peace we find in trusting God with the outcome.
Let’s keep praying with faith. Let’s keep asking in Jesus’ name. And let’s trust the heart of the One who gave us the invitation in the first place.
“You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.”
— John 14:14
He still does. And He still will—in His time, in His way, and for His glory.
