Whatever you ask in prayer

Jesus tells the apostles that they may ask for whatever they choose and it will be given to them. He says it four times in John 14-16. He is announcing a whole new way of living, living in him, like a branch in a vine. 

What is this 'whatever'? How can God trust his creation to the choices we make? Jesus is so sure of what the Father is about in his coming death and resurrection, and so sure of the new love of his people for him, that he knows we will ask for what he wants. We will be filled with the joy of new life in the Father and be praying for people to hear the voice of his Son. People who receive this eternal life are confident that what they ask will be done for them.