Mark 1:35

Don't you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do. I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! John 14:10-14

Jesus makes an incredible promise here. He says (paraphrasing) that if you believe in Him, you will be able to do even greater things than He, because He is going to the Father. Wow.

We have the potential, according to this promise, to do the things that Jesus did and even greater things are possible.

It all begins with prayer. In v. 13 Jesus says, "You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father."

The prayer is a partnership or collaboration between You, Jesus and the Father.

Imagine the power of prayer when you are collaborating with God the Father.

Credit to Rick Richardson in Reimagining Evangelism.

Christians say this all the time. We tell each other we'll pray for them. Usually it is said at the conclusion of a conversation or as a way to end a conversation. Kind of like good-bye or see ya later.

It is kind of like saying "How are you" as you pass someone in the hall at church. You don't really want to know how the person is doing because you are not stopping to have a conversation.

"How are you"..."I'll pray for you". Opening and closing of a conversation without any substance or words in between.

At times I have wondered if people actually follow through with their prayer offer. The Lord is the only one who knows for sure.

Today my wife had out-patient surgery. We told our bible study class about it and many said they would pray for us. We even added it to the prayer list. We enlisted some family to pray as well. They told their small groups/churches too.

I can tell you that people prayed! When we walked into the hospital this morning, we felt the peace of God. A peace that surpasses my understanding. A peace that cannot be measured. It was an surreal experience. Our God is real and He cares about His children!

The surgery was flawless from beginning to end. The recovery has been quick and my bride is now sleeping comfortably in our bed. Praise God!

Thank you Lord for listening to the heart of your people who, in the midst of their own lives, are willing to carry their friends to the Cross in prayer. Amen.