These words are a command and are to be taken in the sense of "I command you to ask." The word "abiding" means having fellowship with the Lord and total dependence upon Him. Here is what is so wonderful about this, for all of us that abide or to have continual fellowship with Him, God issues the wonderful command, "ask whatever you desire.". God here is not just commanding us but He is actually challenging us.
In the Greek we see how God is saying to us, "You meet the conditions, and I challenge you to ask, and then see how faithful and able I am to answer your prayer." Here is the important thing to remember, the word "desire" implies not our own selfish wants and desires but should reflect what God wants for us. By being in a close relationship with Jesus, our desires and inclinations are His desires and His inclinations.
The word "ask" is in the 'middle voice' which speaks of the subject of the verb acting in its own interest. So in the Greek it would read, "ask for yourselves." Here is what we learn: By living in a close 'relationship' with Jesus, those things that we ask for will not be for our own selfish pleasure but to glorify God. Prayers such as these, will be answered. Asking according to God's Will not ours.
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