THE JOY OF PRAYING

John 16:23-28

I.  THERE IS JOY IN KNOWING THAT GOD WELCOMES US TO PRAY

1. We are welcome because we come in Jesus’ name
2. We are welcome because we have a relationship with God

1. The basis of this relationship
2. One benefit of this relationship - you can come directly to your Father

“the Father Himself loves you, because . . .

1. “you have loved Me”
2. “(you) have believed . . .”

II.  THERE IS JOY IN SEEING THAT GOD RESPONDS TO OUR PRAYERS

1. We must pray (cf 14:13; 15:7,16)
2. He will respond

1. What we are to do – ask
2. How we are to do it – in Jesus’ name
3. Why we are to do it – that the Father may be glorified (14:13)

1. “He will give”
2. “You will receive”