Let me say something about prayer. I was recently asked about this. Our prayers are ended "in the name of Jesus." This is proper as all our prayers are prayed in Jesus as He is our access to God. But to say "in the name of Jesus" is not just a cliche but a reality in the heart of the one praying. In fact, all that we do are to be done "in the name of Jesus" (Col. 3:17).
What does "in the name of Jesus" really mean? It means a complete reliance upon Jesus and a renunciation of self! Prayer is not a self request but of denial of self dependant completely on God. Praying in the name of Jesus is to be free from our selfish desires and ways and belonging to Jesus and Him alone.
What does "in the name of Jesus" really mean? A 100% acceptance of Jesus as our representative. In other words, we cannot enter into the presences of a holy and righteous God without Him. We are clothed with Him (Gal. 3:27) therefore it is Jesus God views in our stead. It is Jesus who gives us access to the very heart of God through His blood (Heb. 4:14-16). Jesus has literally given us His name!
What does "in the name of Jesus" really mean? Too many quote John 14:14 to show that "if you ask anything in My name, I will do it." Sounds incredible doesn't it? But many make that a self request which is what prayer is not! Let's back up one verse and see what it means to ask "in the name of Jesus." "Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (John 14:13) Prayer is concerned about glorifying God and what we ask "in the name of Jesus" is to glorify the Father.
What does "in the name of Jesus" really mean? It means a complete surrender to the will of God. The will of God is the greatest haven of safety and rest. Jesus prayed to the Father, "Thy will be done." To pray "in the name of Jesus" means to pray with the heart of Jesus in doing the will of God.
What do you mean when you pray "in the name of Jesus"?
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