Pray – Part 1

May 11, 2026

Broadcast

                             Pray - Part 1
                             John 16:23-24
                              05/11/2026


        23   In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly,
             truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the
             Father in my name, he will give it to you.
        24   Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask,
             and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
             (ESV)

        On the night Jesus was betrayed, He told His disciples:
        In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I
        say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name,
        he will give it to you.  Until now you have asked
        nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that
        your joy may be full.


        We believe, teach, and confess that prayer, just like our
   good works, are a response to the good news that Christ Jesus
   paid the price for our sins upon the cross.  His death is our
   death, His resurrection is our resurrection.  The assurance of
   eternal life comes not because of our efforts, but because of
   God's rich love, grace, and mercy as found in Christ Jesus.

        This week's prayer of the Church, the Collect, reflects our
   response to God's grace.
        O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy
        inspiration grant that we may think those things that
        are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them;
        through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and
        reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
        forever.


        It is the Holy Spirit who calls us to faith in Christ Jesus
   by giving us God's holy Word.  Faith which trusts in the message
   of the Bible, in the message of salvation by grace through faith
   for the sake of Christ, leads to actions which reflect God's love
   to others.  We are bold to pray to the Father through Jesus
   Christ because of the work of the Holy Spirit.  This week we will
   look at this response of faith.

        May our Lord grant us the desire to know and do His will.
   Amen.