praying effectively: Believe that Jesus is God (John 14:6-12)

(John 14:6-12)  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

7 If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”

8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. 12 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:  that we believe Jesus is God, and believe in Jesus and the work He did on the cross (14:11)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You so much that You came to earth to pay the price for sins;  as well as to show Yourself to the world so that there would be eyewitnesses of the miracles You are able to do, and the love that You show for all people.  Convict the hearts and minds of unbelievers to see and understand their need for You.

Help all believers to fully understand that You are God, and that we have Your Spirit in us, and therefore we have access to Your peace, joy, strength, wisdom, guidance... - when we go to You and ask - when we work on having a closer relationship with You...  because You never force Yourself on anyone.  But why would anyone not want You to be working in their lives?  Work in my life, and use me.  Help me understand and be obedient to Your will.  Amen.