What can we expect when we pray?

What Jesus promises here insight and direction through the work of the Spirit within us.  Jesus does not promise that we will receive whatever we might think we need.  As the Holy Spirit directs our hearts, we will desire those things that will benefit us spiritually.  We can have faith to see those things accomplished as the fulfillment of his promise.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

What Jesus promises here is insight and direction through the work of the Spirit within us.  Jesus does not promise that we will receive whatever we might think we need.  As the Holy Spirit directs our hearts, we will desire those things that will benefit us spiritually.  We can have faith to see those things accomplished as the fulfillment of his promise.

Jesus was not promising  to give us whatever we want.  What he did promise was that he would answer the prayers of obedient believers whose requests arise from a healthy relationship with him.  As long as we remain in him and his words remain in us, our desires will be consistent with is will.  Praying in his name (John 16), then, refers to  requests in line with what Christ would want.  Such prayers reflect total dependence on him.

Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.

God is not obligated to grant endless wishes because we hold him to his promises.  When our desires line with his desires...when we obey...and do what pleases him...then we can be sure that God will answer our prayers (see 1 John 5:14).  The Bible also tells why many prayers are not granted.  See:  When does God refuse to hear our prayers!  Jeremiah 11:11

Matthew 6:8

Prayer was never intended to inform God of something he doesn't know.  The point of prayer isn't merely to get what we want but to nurture our relationship with God. As a result, prayer can change us rather than the situation, reinforcing our confidence in our God's sufficiency and realigning our will with his will.  On the other hand. God invites us to involve ourselves in his work by praying.  He tells us that we lack what we need because we fail to pray: You do not have, because you do not ask God (James 4:2).  When it seems that answers to prayer are slow in coming. Jesus urges us to keep on  praying and not give up (Luke 18:1-8).

Praise God for His goodness and love!!!