Topical Bible: Jesus, the Christ: "In his Name": Prayer

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Introduction

Prayer, a fundamental aspect of Christian life, is profoundly influenced by the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus not only exemplifies a life of prayer but also instructs His followers on the significance and power of praying in His name. This entry explores the biblical foundation and theological implications of praying in the name of Jesus, the Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of praying in Jesus' name is rooted in several key passages of the New Testament. In the Gospel of John, Jesus explicitly instructs His disciples about the power and authority vested in His name. He states, "And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it" (John 14:13-14). This promise underscores the unique authority of Jesus and the assurance that prayers aligned with His will and character will be answered.

Furthermore, Jesus emphasizes the importance of His name in prayer in John 16:23-24: "In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. Truly, truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete" . Here, Jesus introduces a new dimension of prayer, inviting believers to approach the Father directly through His name, signifying a new covenant relationship.

Theological Implications

Praying in the name of Jesus is not merely a formulaic conclusion to prayer but a profound theological declaration. It signifies the believer's faith in the redemptive work of Christ and acknowledges His mediatory role between humanity and God. As the Apostle Paul writes, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). Thus, invoking Jesus' name in prayer is an affirmation of His unique position as the mediator of the New Covenant.

Moreover, praying in Jesus' name aligns the believer's requests with the character and purposes of Christ. It is an expression of submission to His will, as seen in the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus teaches, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). Praying in His name requires a heart attuned to His desires, seeking not personal gain but the glorification of God through the Son.

Practical Application

For believers, praying in Jesus' name is both a privilege and a responsibility. It invites them to approach God with confidence, as Hebrews 4:16 encourages: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" . This confidence is rooted in the assurance that Jesus intercedes on their behalf, as stated in Romans 8:34: "Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us" .

In practice, praying in Jesus' name involves a conscious effort to align one's prayers with His teachings and mission. It is an invitation to participate in the divine work of the Kingdom, seeking outcomes that reflect His love, justice, and mercy. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a prayer life that is both fervent and reflective, always seeking to discern and align with the will of Christ.

Conclusion

Praying in the name of Jesus, the Christ, is a central tenet of Christian faith, offering believers a direct line to the Father through the Son. It is a practice that embodies trust in His authority, submission to His will, and participation in His redemptive mission. As Christians continue to explore the depths of this profound privilege, they are reminded of the transformative power of prayer in the name of Jesus, bringing glory to God and advancing His Kingdom on earth.

Nave's Topical Index

John 14:13
And whatever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
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John 16:23,24,26
And in that day you shall ask me nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you, Whatever you shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
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Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
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Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
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Hebrews 13:15
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
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Greek

2424. Iesous -- Jesus or Joshua, the name of the Messiah, also ...
... "Jesus Christ" is properly "Jesus ." "" (2424 ) is His name, as the incarnate, eternal
Son of God (Mt 1:21,25, see also Lk 1:31) -- the Christ, the divine ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2424.htm - 7k

3686. onoma -- a name, authority, cause
... "Praying in Jesus' name" therefore is ... According to Hebrew notions, a name is inseparable
from the person to whom it belongs, ie it is something of his essence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3686.htm - 7k

Library

Of the Name of Jesus Christ, and his Twofold Nativity.
... The Epitome of the Divine Institutes. Addressed to His Brother Pentadius. Chap.
XLIII."Of the Name of Jesus Christ, and His Twofold Nativity. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xliii of the name of.htm

Jesus Christ, the Divine Teacher of Prayer (Continued)
... the fixed attitude and unity of life with Jesus Christ. ... The attitude of the Person
of Christ is the ... had magnified his word above all his name." New Testament ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/vi jesus christ the divine.htm

Jesus Christ an Example of Prayer
... Jesus Christ crowns His life, His works and His teaching with ... on Him the glory of
answered prayer at His Baptism and ... "Father, glorify thy name." This sweetens ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/vii jesus christ an example.htm

Jesus Christ, the Divine Teacher of Prayer
... supplicated. Jesus Christ teaches the importance of prayer by His urgency
to His disciples to pray. But He shows us more than that. ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/v jesus christ the divine.htm

"And this is his Commandment, that we Should Believe on the Name ...
... This is his command, that ye "believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ." And
this we ... It is the special command which Christ left to his disciples when ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i and this is.htm

Prayer Incidents in the Life of Our Lord
... "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in ... The Christ life was in the image of His Father ... He
was the "express image of His person." And so the spirit of prayer with Christ ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/viii prayer incidents in the.htm

Second Sunday after Trinity. And this is his Commandment; that we ...
... And this is His commandment; That we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus
Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/second sunday after trinity and.htm

What is his Name?
... has shed on the matter, and believe the "manifestation of His name" that Christ
has given ... When Nicodemus came to Jesus by night to ask Him how the things ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 2 what is his.htm

The Praying that Glorifies God
... through prayer and faith. A man cannot achieve the works of Christ through his
eloquence and education; he must fervently pray in the Name of Jesus, and ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 4 the praying that.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by Jesus Christ.
... Glory to His Name. ... dead, indeed, unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ,
our Lord ... dead, also, even to lawful things, except as God in His mercy may ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter vi entire sanctification as.htm