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Do we pray in Jesus’ name?
Message #4 (of 20) from the PrayerPower radio series "Prayer Promises"
We have to be careful when we consider this, because it means so much more than closing a prayer with the words, "in Jesus’ name." In Biblical times, a person’s name represented all the person was, everything about His character and stature, His very nature. To pray in Jesus’ name is to pray according to what we know is true of Him--including His will and desire for us and for His kingdom. To ask in His name is to ask in agreement with Him, as one with Him. To ask in His name is to come under His authority, to surrender self to His life in us through the abiding, obedient love relationship He wants with each of us. Asking in His name was so important to Jesus that out of the eight times He promised His disciples they could have whatever they asked in prayer, six of those promises He qualified with the condition that they ask in His name. [John 14:13, 14; 15:16; 16:23,24,26]"In Jesus’ name"--the words are not a guarantee that a prayer will be answered. It’s not the words we use, it’s the life we live--in His name and for His glory--that allows us to have whatever we ask in prayer. Do we really believe we can have whatever we ask in His name? Is that reflected in the way we live?
Pray with me now -- Lord Jesus, help us to live and to pray in Your name, to believe You meant what You said--for we ask it now, in Your name, amen.
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