“Prayer That Brings Full Joy to the Family”
Thursday (May 21)
John 16:23–33
In today’s Word of God, we hear the words of Christ:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you” (Jn 16:24).
These words have a much deeper meaning than it may seem at first. They are not a promise that God will automatically give us everything we want. Instead, they show us the Christian way of prayer.
The key is not only what we ask, but how we ask. What does it mean to “ask in the name of Jesus”? Is it just a special phrase we say, or something deeper?
To ask in the name of Jesus means first of all to ask according to His will, trusting His wisdom and plan. This is what we pray every day in the “Our Father”: “Your will be done.”
So when God says “you will receive,” it does not mean He will give us everything we want. It means God will give what leads us to salvation and true life.
The Lord encourages us to seek God’s will in prayer, so that “your joy may be complete.” This joy is not just a feeling or short happiness. It is God’s joy, which does not depend on life’s changing situations. It remains even in difficulties. It is a full and complete joy that lacks nothing. A person who trusts in God receives this kind of joy.
It is very important to apply this truth not only in general thinking, but also in family life. A family, as a “domestic church,” is called to seek God’s will first. This is what leads it to true joy.
Very often, married prayer becomes only a list of requests: for health, money, or solving problems. This is good—God wants us to bring everything to Him. But Christ leads us deeper: not only to ask, but to learn to ask rightly—together seeking God’s will.
When husband and wife begin to pray not only individually, but together asking: “Lord, what do You want from our family?”, then their family life becomes more beautiful. They gain a shared direction in God’s plan.
What does God want from family life? To forgive, even when it is hard. To listen, not only speak. To choose love over being right. To say: “Not my will, but God’s will.”
When a couple prays like this, Christ’s promise is fulfilled: “you will receive.” Maybe not always what they expected, but exactly what they need. God gives peace, unity, strength, and deep joy that no situation can take away.
So today let us ask the Lord not only to fulfill our desires, but first of all to teach us to seek His will. This is what leads families to true joy and peace.
Mission tasks:
1. Personal level:
Try today in prayer to speak less and listen more to God, trusting Him not only with your requests but also with your life.
2. Parish level:
Think how our parish can become a place where families learn to discover God’s will for their lives.
3. Mission level:
Give someone a witness of living faith—through peace in your family, forgiveness, support, and seeking God’s will together even in difficult times.