In Jesus' Name

You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:14 (spoken by Jesus)



What a promise from scripture! It's sounds like my ticket to the "genie lamp" or my unlimited wishes from the "lucky leprechaun". Let's see: I want a million dollars. I want all of my children to obey, right away, the first time, without arguing or complaining. I want to stay healthy. I want a new car, a new house, maids, a personal chef... Oh, and a I want the perfect body and still be able to eat all the cheesecake I can stand. I want, I want, I want.... In Jesus' name, Amen.


I have grown up my entire life praying and ending with " in Jesus' name, Amen." I have recently come to realize that adding that last phrase doesn't ensure that I'm praying in His name. In fact, in many cases they are simply words that are empty of their meaning. What does it mean to pray "in His[Jesus'] name"?


Everything that Jesus did was in his Father's name. JN 10:25 Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me,..." John 5:42 "I have come in my Father's name..." Jesus demonstrated and explained what it meant to live out, "in His[the Father's] name." Here are a few points that I've been able to gleam from scripture:



1. He did everything by the Father's authority. The Father gave Him the power and the right to do the things he did. John 17:2 For you [the Father] granted him[Jesus] authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Matthew 28:18



2. He did everything out of obedience or submission to the Father. Jesus humbled himself to the Father's will.

John 8:28-29 "...I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him."

Luke 22:42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

3. He did everything to bring glory to the Father John 8:54 He desired that all would see the beauty, majesty, brilliance, splendor,goodness, holiness... (the invisible qualities) of the Father. In fact, Jesus Himself is the image of the invisible Father. COL 1:15 "He is the image of the invisible God..."

John 7:4 " I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do."



Now consider that the Father sent the son into the world to complete a mission, and now that the Son is back with the Father, the Son sends us into the world with a mission. He gives us His authority, and his power over the enemy. He expects us humble ourselves to his will and to do everything for His glory. Here are a few scriptures which substantiate this:



2CO 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.



Luke 10:19 I[Jesus] have given you [his followers]authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.



1 Peter 5:5-6 "...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."



1CO 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

So you see, tacking 'in Jesus' name' to the end of our prayer isn't the ticket to our "genie lamp" or "lucky leprechaun". It should serve as a reminder that we have the honor and responsibility to serve the King of all Kings. Our prayers and our life, should reflect this desire to do all for the glory and honor of our Lord. It should be our sole desire, to fulfill the purposes that He as ordained for our lives. All other desires, we lay before our Lord knowing that everything we give up will be replaced by the "true riches" which cannot be taken from us. Because of His name, we can be confident that we will accomplish everything He has ordained. We do great things because of Him!!! With all this in mind, it definitely changes how I pray. Instead of my, "me first" prayers, it becomes "Him first".

John 14:12-14 I [Jesus]tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Just some things to consider when you say,"In Jesus' Name".

By His Spirit,

Alecia