Among Anglicans, the common name for the Fifth Sunday after Easter is Rogation Sunday, and the Monday, Tuesday. and Wednesday of the following week have long been known as Rogation Days. The term "rogation" comes from one Latin term for asking or praying. This word is used in the Latin version of John 16:26, "that I will pray" (rogabo). Originally, Rogation Days were times of Christian prayers for crops that replaced certain pagan customs. Later, litanies and other prayers of supplication were added.
The traditional Gospel appointed for this Sunday (John 16:23-33) continues a series of selections from the Farewell Discourses, and it is especially appropriate for the Sunday before the Ascension. The theme is in the words, "Whatever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you" (16:23b). This is a strong affirmation that has sometimes been misunderstood. Using Christ's name in prayer is an ancient and laudable Christian practice, but it must not be superficial. Christian prayer must not be distorted into some sort of magical manipulation. Rather, we truly pray in Christ's name when we approach the Father in a Christlike attitude. This is the attitude of Christ in Gethsemene: "Nevertheless not what I will but what thou wilt" (Mark 14:36b). The heavenly Father blesses us through our unity with Jesus Christ, and our prayers should always be in accord with His great purposes of redemption. When we pray with such a spiritual attitude, God does greater things for us than we limited human beings can imagine or comprehend.
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