When Solomon became king of Israel, God said, "Ask what I shall give thee" (I Kings 3:5). With such a blank check, Solomon could have asked for anything, including wealth, fame, or long life! His choice of wisdom to lead God's people pleased the Lord. He gave such wisdom to Solomon that no one before nor since was ever wiser (3:12). Then He added the wealth and fame, and promised long life for continued obedience!
The Christian has a similar blank check available. "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it" (John 14:13, 14). The Lord Jesus Christ has signed the check and handed it to those who love Him and keep His commandments (v. 15).
But please note the two qualifications of the transaction. First, the request is to be made "in my name." Any check is transacted on the authority of the name of the signer. The beneficiary should keep in mind the reputation and wishes of the signer. In our text, we are talking about our loving Savior Who is holy and Who has sought to save us from our sins. Therefore, we should determine that nothing we ask will sully His Person, break His law, or grieve His heart.
Second, the open request is offered "that the Father may be glorified." Before we ask anything of the Lord perhaps we should ask, "Will the answer to this prayer glorify God?" If this test were applied, many of our wishes would never appear on our prayer list. These qualifications for answered prayer may explain why God does not answer some of our prayers. In James 4:3 it is written, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." God will not be a party to an improper prayer life. It is our responsibility to respect the name of our God and to glorify Him, even in our prayer life. It is also our responsibility to keep our motives pure as we approach God's throne of grace. Don't give Him any reason to "stop payment" on the blank check He has signed for you.