May 14, 2023 - Rogate Sermon

Rogate
Introit: Ps. 66:1-2a, 17, 19-20; antiphon: Is. 48:20b
Old Testament: Num. 21:4-9
Psalm 107:1-9 (antiphon: v. 19)
Epistle: 1 Tim. 2:1-6
      or James 1:22-27
ProperVerse: Liturgical text, John 16:28
Gospel: John 16:23-30 (31-33)

The Father Answers Our Prayers Because of Jesus
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you" (John 16:23). To pray in Jesus' name is to pray as one who has been baptized. For it is in the water that He put His name upon you, claiming you as His own, making you a son of God with access to the Father. By His incarnation and crucifixion, our Lord Jesus broke through the barrier of sin which separated us from God, opening a portal to the Father. To pray in Jesus' name is to pray with faith in Him as the one Mediator between God and men, who gave Himself a ransom for all (1 Tim. 2:1-6). Like Moses in the wilderness, Jesus is our go-between and intercessor before the throne of heaven. He was lifted up for us on the cross that we might be saved and restored to fellowship with the Father (Num. 21:4-9). Looking into this perfect teaching of liberty (James 1:22-27) we pray with boldness and confidence as dear children of God.