Although Jesus would return to the Father, He promised that His powerful presence on earth would continue. Those who believed in Him were given the right to declare the authority of Jesus over corruption and evil; and Jesus promised to answer such prayers powerfully. From one Master and twelve disciples, the world would soon see thousands of God-glorifying believers whose prayers would demonstrate that Jesus is still Lord.
 
Miracles are not toys; they are tools to help people see that Jesus is the Saviour of the world. Prayer is not a power game to prove who has the most faith, but a way to ask Jesus to take control and get the glory which is due to God. So Jesus put no boundaries to prayer except that we should ask ‘in His Name’. He will only do things that are consistent with His character and purpose. His absence from the earth would not stop Him acting powerfully: He promised to respond to the call of anybody who has faith in Him.
 
Although these verses have been misunderstood (some people have wrongly thought they can get whatever they want by using the Name of Jesus as a formula), it is still true that those who love Jesus see their prayers answered. Of course, He answers every prayer, by ‘yes’, ‘no’, or ‘wait’; but those who are committed to Him will learn how to pray about the things He wants to do. It is a normal part of the interactive relationship we should have with the Lord. Like every part of a relationship, prayer takes practice and perseverance. But He has given us permission to learn to be bolder in prayer, asking Him to act in accordance with His character so that His authority is seen, and people give Him glory.