Look up these Scriptures: John 14:13-14; John 15:16; John 16:23-24
Have you ever noticed how much our Lord Jesus Christ spoke of prayer during His last days with His disciples? As opposition to His ministry increased and as the time of crucifixion drew nigh, the intensity of His teaching about prayer also increased. He told His disciples that after He was gone they would have a glorious new privilege of prayer opened to them as they prayed “in His name.” In His name anything” and “whatsoever” would now become open to them. What was He really saying? What does it mean to pray in the name of Jesus Christ?
Almost every man on earth has in him an instinct for prayer. Even in fallen man there is the impulse to pray. However, though all the world prays, God is under no obligation to hear that prayer because of sin (Isaiah 59:1-2; Proverbs 28:9). To those who are in the New Covenant in Christ, God has chosen to obligate Himself to prayer “in Jesus’ name.”
To pray in the Name of Jesus Christ is more than a formula. It is a deep mystery. In order to truly offer prayer “in His Name”, you must meet the following conditions:
- You must believe all that the Bible says about Jesus Christ …God incarnate! Christ is the only begotten Son of God, and God was in Christ (John 8:24-25).
- You must acknowledge your need of a mediator. You are unholy, and God is holy… and God has ordained Jesus Christ to bring you to Himself. You are coming to the Throne of God by the blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:25; 1 Timothy 2:5-6).
- You must be in fellowship with Christ, walking in His light. Your conscience must be pure from all areas of controversy with the Heavenly Father. All indulgence and rebellion must have been renounced at the Cross, and you must be open to His blessed will.
- You must understand that “in His name” means you are standing in for Him in this situation. You are offering prayers He would have offered in the days of His flesh. It signals that you believe that you and He are one in heart and purpose in your praying.
- You must recognize and claim His authority. Everything not in line with the will of God must be readjusted
- You must acknowledge that the living Lord Jesus Christ is your only hope to bring God’s answer into the situation (II Corinthians 1:20).
Anything less than the above may be “taking His name in vain.”
Are you praying in His name?
Today spend time “glorying in His holy name” (Psalms 105:3).
Thank Him. Reverently worship Him by saying His holy name over and over to Him quietly in an attitude of prayer.
His name is incense!