Just to Ask

I've been making my way through the book of John and one thing Jesus keeps telling His disciples is: whatever you ask in My name you will receive. What is our response to that statement? Maybe you share my skepticism. Does God really answer those prayers? Why do some sick people remain sick? Why is there no peace in Iraq? I guess the point I'm making is that some unanswered prayers have reduced our faith, and when I read those scriptures again, something inside me opens its eyes with interest. Maybe God does answer these prayers. Of course, the Bible does put some qualifications, such as John 15 where Jesus instructs us to abide in Him and in James where we're instructed not to pray with selfish motives and with doubt. But if we take care of these things, why not join me for a moment and believe again that God can answer impossible prayers. It's worth taking the chance.