When Our Lord speaks of “joy made full,” He is talking not about carnal but spiritual joy. That joy is so great that nothing further needs to be added to it. So whatever we ask which relates to the attainment of this joy, we must ask for in the Name of Christ. When we ask for anything else, nothing is asked for. Not in the sense that it is really nothing, but that in comparison with this spiritual joy. And now we can correctly understand the words: “If you ask the Father anything in my name, he will give it to you.” The word “anything” does not mean “anything whatever,” but anything that is not as nothing in comparison with the life of the Blessed. (St. Augustine)
In today’s Gospel, Our Lord Jesus urges us to pray. He spoke this exhortation when telling His disciples that they will suffer, but their sorrow will be turned to joy. There is a connection between these two things. For when a Christian is experiencing sorrow and tribulation, peril and trial, the only comfort and help he has is to resort to cry to the Lord in prayer. The Lord teaches His disciples, and us, that during times of heartache we should be bold and fearless in prayer. For this reason you may come boldly before the Father and pray with confidence, never doubting, for your prayers are heard. It is, indeed, a winsome invitation to prayer. (Blessed Martin Luther)
Prayer is not made perfect by the uttering of syllables, but in the purpose of the soul, and in the just actions of a lifetime. Neither are we to think that God needs the reminder of our spoken words. Rather are we to believe that He knows our need whether we ask of Him or not. Be mindful then of God, O Man, and keep the fear of Him ever in your heart, and join yourself to all men in communion of prayer. Place your hope in the goodness of God, and look for His aid, knowing that if we truly and sincerely turn to Him, He will not cast us off for ever, but even as we pray to Him He will say to us: Here I am. (St. Basil)