Praying in the Name of Jesus Praying In

Praying in the Name of Jesus

Praying In the Name of Jesus • Many in our society want to remove “in Jesus’ name” at the end of prayers • Others make a habit of saying “in Jesus’ name” but may not fully understand what that means; it is just something you add on the end of a prayer • Still others believe that a certain order of words must be used to end our prayers • Jesus wanted his disciples to (ask) pray “in my name” (John 14: 13 -14). What does this mean?

Praying In the Name of Jesus • The disciples were to ask “in his name” (Jn. 14: 13 -14; 15: 16; 16: 23) • Christians are to give thanks “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 5: 20) and give “thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3: 17)

The Prayer of the Christian • Prayer has a privilege: “He that believes on me…” • Prayer has a petition: “If you will ask…” • Prayer has a provision: “in my name” • Prayer has a promise: “Whatsoever … I will do it” • Prayer has a purpose: “the Father may be glorified”

In the Name of Jesus • “In the name of Jesus” certainly refers to the authority of Jesus (all that a name stands for) – receive a little child (Mt. 18: 5) – gathered together (Mt. 18: 20) – come in (Mt. 21: 9; 23: 29; 24: 5) – mighty work (Mk. 9: 39)

In the Name of Jesus • “In the name of Jesus” certainly refers to the authority of Jesus – cast out demons (Mk. 16: 17) – H. S. sent (Jn. 14: 26) – ask anything (Jn. 14: 13 -14; 15: 16)

In the Name of Jesus • “In the name of Jesus” certainly refers to the authority of Jesus – stand here whole (Acts 3: 6, 16; 4: 10) – not to speak or teach (Lk. 24: 47; Acts 4: 18; 5: 40; 9: 27, 29; Jas. 5: 10) – deliver such a one (1 Cor. 5: 4) – do all (Col. 3: 17)

In the Name of Jesus • “In the name of Jesus” certainly refers to the authority of Jesus – command (2 Thess. 3: 6) – anoint with oil (Jas. 5: 14)

In the Name of Jesus • “In the name of Jesus” certainly refers to asking according to God’s will – 1 John 3: 21 -22 – 1 John 5: 14 -14

In the Name of Jesus • Praying “in the name of Jesus” also refers to Jesus’ role as mediator between us and God (Jn. 16: 23 -26) – These words are spoken in the context of Jesus going back to his Father (Jn. 14: 12; 16: 28) – Before Jesus ascended, the disciples asked Jesus directly; soon they would ask the Father through Jesus – Before Jesus ascended, he was not in the role of a mediator; soon he would be

In the Name of Jesus And in that day ye shall ask me no question. Verily, verily, I say unto you, if ye shall ask anything of the Father, he will give it you in my name. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be made full. 25 These things have I spoken unto you in dark sayings: the hour cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in dark sayings, but shall tell you plainly of the Father. 26 In that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you; 27 for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 28 I came out from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go unto the Father (John 16: 23 -28) 23

Prayer Through Our One Mediator • Jesus is our intercessor – Romans 8: 34 (prayer is in the context) • Jesus is our mediator – 1 Timothy 2: 5 (prayer is in the context) • Jesus is our high priest – Hebrews 2: 14 -18; 4: 14 -16 prayer is in the context); 7: 24 -28; 9: 24 • Jesus is our advocate – 1 John 2: 1 -2 (prayer is in the context)

Praying in the Name of Jesus • We have direct access to the Father that others do not have • We have a close communication with the Father that others do not have • We have a ready power available with the Father that others do not have • We have a strong confidence in the Father’s answer that others do not have