There is a lot of controversy over asking and it be given- I’ve been experiencing a lot of heartaches both recently and in the past about things being “unanswered”. Or if I have the right to even keep asking, or wanting to give up asking because of the prayers not being seemingly answered or that I have already been given an answer and missed it or it is a no that I keep hoping will change into a yes (like for healing for example).
However, I need to remember it is always yes, no, or wait. My feelings don’t change the fact that He promises to listen to and answer prayers.
1. The wait may be longer but I will learn so much more if I open my hands, stop thinking the outcome is in my time (maybe He’s working on the other side too) but more importantly in surrendering to waiting I learn the gift of His presence when He says “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). I have never felt Him more palpably than when I just sat to be brutally honest, stopped talking, thinking, analyzing and just said “speak, your servant is listening”. (1 Samuel 10:3b). In my head it normally goes more like “ok God, I’ll just stop talking now. I’m here. I’m ready. Speak Lord your servant is listening”.
2. If the answer is no, it means He has something better in mind that I can’t even imagine. And who knows what is may very well also be protecting me from by that no?
3. The following is an AI generated response that I’m copying as I’ve found it most helpful. Hopefully you do as well.
4. Please feel free to free to share any thoughts on how you view this verse, the entire concept and/or even the response given via AI (as I don’t have a full Oxford library of commentaries 😊). God Bless
John 15:7 – “Abiding and Asking” Text (ESV):
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” — John 15:7
I. Contextual Background of John 15
John 15 is part of the Farewell Discourse (John 13–17), where Jesus prepares His disciples for His impending death, resurrection, and departure. This section is rich with Trinitarian theology, covenant imagery, and deep relational instruction.
Key themes of the chapter:
- Union with Christ – Described metaphorically as the True Vine and His disciples as branches (vv. 1–8).
- Fruitfulness – The natural outcome of abiding (vv. 2, 5, 8).
- Love and Obedience – The relational foundation of abiding (vv. 9–17).
- Persecution – The world’s response to those who abide in Christ (vv. 18–27).
John 15:7 is positioned centrally in Jesus’ metaphor about abiding in the vine and speaks directly to the power of prayer that flows from intimate union with Him.
II. Word Study & Greek Analysis
1. “Abide” – Greek: μένω (menō)
- Definition: To remain, stay, dwell, continue.
- Theological Meaning: Suggests not just physical presence, but enduring relationship, spiritual constancy, and obedience.
- Usage in John 15: Occurs 11 times in vv. 1–10. It conveys the centrality of a continual relational union with Christ, the Vine.
2. “Words” – Greek: ῥήματα (rhēmata)
- Definition: Utterances, spoken words.
- Distinction: Different from logos (the Word in a broader sense), rhēma often implies specific sayings or teachings of Jesus.
- Implication: Not just hearing, but internalizing and treasuring Jesus’ teachings.
3. “Ask” – Greek: αἰτέω (aiteō)
- Definition: To request, petition, often used in prayer contexts.
- Form: Present imperative – suggests ongoing, confident asking.
4. “Will be done” – Greek: γενήσεται (genēsetai)
- Definition: Will come into being, will happen.
- Passive voice: Indicates the action is performed by God on behalf of the one asking.
III. Hermeneutical Principles and Interpretation
A. Covenant and Conditionality
The verse is structured conditionally:
- “If” you abide in Me → conditional upon relational constancy.
- “And” My words abide in you → not mere profession, but a word-saturated life.
- “Then” ask whatever you wish → prayer becomes powerful when desires align with divine will.
This is not a blanket promise for selfish prayer fulfillment. Instead, it is rooted in covenantal faithfulness and alignment with God’s character and mission.
B. Theological Echoes and Allusions
- Psalm 1:2–3 – The blessed man delights in God’s law and bears fruit.
- Jeremiah 17:7–8 – The tree planted by water (symbol of the faithful one).
- Matthew 7:7–11 – Jesus’ teaching on asking and receiving from the Father.
- 1 John 5:14 – “If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
IV. Literary and Structural Context
Verses 1–8 form a cohesive unit:
- vv. 1–3: Jesus as the Vine, the Father as the Vinedresser.
- vv. 4–6: The necessity of abiding to bear fruit.
- v. 7: The power of abiding faith.
- v. 8: Glorifying the Father through fruitfulness.
Verse 7 is the hinge point between the internal relationship (abiding and obedience) and external expression (prayer and fruitfulness).
V. Theological Commentary
A. Abiding as the Center of Discipleship
Jesus’ repeated use of menō underscores that abiding is the foundation of discipleship, not a mystical state but a practical reality: staying with Jesus, submitting to His Word, and cultivating intimacy through love and obedience (cf. John 14:23–24).
B. Prayer Aligned with Divine Purpose
The promise that “whatever you wish” will be granted is not a blank check, but assumes that one’s wishes are shaped by Christ’s indwelling Word. As we abide, our desires conform to His; our prayers reflect His heart.
Thus, this verse underscores a transformative model of prayer: union leads to communion, and communion leads to empowered intercession.
C. Fruitfulness and God’s Glory
In verse 8, Jesus says:
“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
This places answered prayer in a larger doxological context—our fruitfulness (which includes prayer outcomes) glorifies God and validates our discipleship.
VI. Application and Reflection
- Examine your abiding: Is your relationship with Christ marked by constancy, intimacy, and obedience?
- Immerse in the Word: Do Jesus’ teachings shape your values, prayers, and lifestyle?
- Pray boldly, yet humbly: Are your prayers driven by self or shaped by Scripture and Christ’s mission?
Conclusion
John 15:7 is not a formula but a relational reality. It shows that power in prayer flows from a life rooted in Christ and His Word. The verse challenges us not only to pray more but to abide more—to become people whose wills are so intertwined with God’s that what we ask is what He desires to give.