Praying in the name of Jesus Christ Week 21, 2026

 

What does it mean to pray in His name?

There are a few things dug up from the scripture. Jesus Christ specifically asks us to do so: Jn 16:23, 24(ESV)  In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. Have you noticed when an official is sent to represent a higher person that he is given the same treatment as the one he represents? Pray in the name of Jesus and God will give you the same treatment Jesus receives! His name is greater and more powerful than any one and anything. Php 2:9-11(ESV)  Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

Yes I know He is the one who asked us to do so, but what does it imply?

Look at what happened in David’s time. 1Sam 25:5, 6(MKJV)  And David sent out ten young men. And David said to the young men, Go up to Carmel and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name. And you shall say this... Praying in His name means you are praying those things He asked you to pray, and saying the words He asked you to say. Check the scriptures and see what Jesus asked us to pray for, what Paul and others prayed for other brethren, what he asked believers to pray for one another. Pray that same way, that is praying in the name of Jesus.

Must I say “In Jesus’ name”? People punctuate their prayers so frequently with that phrase.

1Sam 25:9(ESV)  When David's young men came, they said all this to Nabal in the name of David, and then they waited. It is important when you start to declare you have come in the name of Jesus Christ (those who are sent to represent a higher official declare it and don’t allow their hosts to assume), and having declared the matter in prayer, wait for the heavens to respond. You are not going to effect the answer yourself. Dt 18:18, 19(ESV)  I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him. So you see it carries the full authority of Jesus and He is ready to defend the words spoken in His name with all the resources of heaven.

Is there somewhere in the New Testament that was done? You’re quoting the Old Testament.

Yes: Act 3:6(ESV)  Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” Expect all these as you pray

O wow, so anyone with this understanding can just pray saying “In Jesus’ name”. It works.

Not anyone. Ask the sons of Sceva.  Only believers have that power of attorney to use His name. Moreover we must watch our relationship with the Holy Spirit so we prove no hinderance. Jn 15:16(ESV)  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.