Although Jesus would return to the Father, He promised that His powerful presence on earth would continue (John 14:15-20).  Those who believed in Him were given the right to declare the authority of Jesus over corruption and evil; and Jesus promised to answer such prayers powerfully.  From one Master and twelve disciples, the world would soon see millions of God-glorifying believers whose prayers would demonstrate that Jesus is still Lord.

How could it be that Jesus’ disciples would do even greater works than He had been doing?  What could be greater than feeding 5,000 people (John 6:10-13), casting demons into pigs (Matthew 8:28-34) or raising the dead (John 11:38-43)?  But each of those miraculous signs was localised.  Jesus was predicting that the effect of the Apostles’ teaching would be to raise a world-wide church of believers that hell could not stop (Matthew 16:18), in whom the powerful life of Jesus would change their homes and communities (Matthew 24:14), and will inhabit heaven one day (Revelation 7:9-10).
 
Miracles are not toys; they are tools to help people see that Jesus is the Saviour of the world.  Prayer is not a power game to prove who has the most faith, but a way to ask Jesus to take control and get the glory which is due to God.  So, Jesus put no boundaries on prayer except that we should ask ‘in His Name’ (John 16:23-24).  He will only do things that are consistent with His character and purpose.  His physical absence from the earth would not stop Him acting powerfully through His people (John 14:18).  He promised to respond to anybody calls who out in faith to Him (Romans 10:13).
 
Although these verses have been misunderstood (some people have wrongly thought they can get whatever they want by using the Name of Jesus as a formula), it is still true that those who love Jesus see their prayers answered.  Of course, He answers every prayer, by ‘yes’, ‘no’, or ‘wait’.  Those who are committed to Him will learn how to pray about the things He wants to do.  It is a normal part of the interactive relationship we should have with the Lord.  As in every relationship, understanding each other takes practice and perseverance.  So does prayer.  But He has given us permission to learn to be bolder in prayer, asking Him to act in accordance with His character so that His authority is seen, and people give Him glory.