“Hitherto you have asked nothing in my name, ask and you will receive that your joy may be fulfilled.”

Up to this point they have not needed to ask. The Great Provider has been with them and they could look to Him. But now He was going. However, this does not mean that the heavenly supplies will dry up. Now they can go to the Father in the name of Jesus and be sure that they will receive all that is needed for the accomplishment of the work that is theirs, and in receiving this they will experience great joy.

A reading of the Gospels brings out how little the disciples prayed in contrast with Jesus. They no doubt shared group prayers and, of course, entered into synagogue worship, but we are again and again brought face to face with Jesus praying without being made aware that the disciples were praying. In their need they had turned to Him, as He turned to the Father. Now they too must learn to turn directly to the Father. They will pray much more now.

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