Praying in Jesus' Name

What does it mean to pray in "the name of the Lord?" or in "the name of Jesus?" Sometimes, we treat those statements as if they are just the tag that comes at the end of our prayers just before the amen. We'll pray and then conclude, "We asked these things in Jesus' name." In John 16:23-28, Jesus tells the disciples that a time was coming when they would ask in his name, and the Father would give them what they asked.

Praying in Jesus' name means that we are praying in a way that is in sync with his character and motivation. When we pray this way, we are praying for the same things Jesus wants. It is to pray in a manner worthy of Jesus. How do we do that?

Here are five quick suggestions:

• Approach with humility. We don't approach God in our own righteousness, but the righteousness that comes through Christ.

• Approach with desire for God's glory. In John 17:1, Jesus prays for his glory, that he might glorify the Father. We should want to bring him glory as well.

• Approach with a commitment to do his will. In Matthew 26:39-44, We see Jesus praying, and submitting to the Father's will. He sets the pattern.

• Approach with an expectancy that leads to rejoicing. 1 John 5:14-15, tells us that we can be confident that our prayers are heard when we are praying according to God's will.

• Approach with confidence. We are loved by God because he has made us his children (see Gal. 4:6; Rom. 8:15). Hebrews 4:16 urges us to boldly approach the throne of grace. In Christ, we are free to approach the Father.