24 Series Devotionals - Day 22

We Must Pray in Christ's Name.
 

“And whatever you ask in my name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”  (John 14:13)

Christ’s name is not a lucky rabbits foot that guarantees God’s attention, nor does it imply ending every prayer with some formula like “in Jesus name, amen.”

Praying in the name of Jesus means that we ask what Jesus would ask, asking what would please Him, and what would bring Him glory by furthering His work.  When we pray “in Jesus name,” we should pray according to his nature.

Have you ever had a friend say, “You may use my name as a reference”?  He is handing you a great privilege as well as a tremendous responsibility.1  You become a steward of that name.

We Must Pray in Obedience.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”  (Verse 15)

The obedient prayer of faith in Christ’s name will soothe the troubled heart.  This type of prayer is prelude to Christ’s peace that we will examine a little later.

The song writer said it well:

    Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
    Oh, what needless pain we bear.
    All because we do not carry
    Everything to God in prayer.

So….the guidelines are clear:  Pray in faith, in Christ’s name and in obedience.  Take a moment to review your recent prayers.  Be honest with yourself:  Did they fit those guidelines?