Ron Dunn, states in Don't Just Stand There, Pray Something, "If I had to pick one verse in the Bible that most adequately and concisely defines prayer, it would be John 14:13: "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." This verse is part of the pericope recorded in John 14:12-14, referred to as "The Answered Prayer." Notice the basis of the answered prayer.

There is your relationship with the Father. John 14:12a reads, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me. . ." Jesus said earlier, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). Jesus is the only way to have a relationship with the Father. Many people attempt to have a relationship with the Father on their own terms. Remember the way of the Father.

There is your responsibility to the Father. John 14:12b reads, ". . . the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father." John 9:4 reads, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work." As Jesus had a responsibility to the Father, so do we. Remember the works of the Father.

There is your request of the Father. John 14:13-14 reads, "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:9-10). Remember the will of the Father.

The answered prayer begins with requesting God's grace. Jesus said, "And whatever you ask in My name. . ." (John 14:13a). 1 John 5:14-15 reads, "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."

The answered prayer continues with receiving God's goodness. Jesus said, "that I will do. . ." (John 14:13b). Jesus repeats this promise in John 14:14. James 1:17 reads, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."
The answered prayer ends with rendering God's glory. Jesus said, "that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14:13c). 1 Corinthians 10:31 reads, "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Will your prayer life be marked by regret or rejoicing? Remember the marvelous mystery of the answered prayer.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.