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This Week’s Devotional Topic
IN JESUS NAME
What does the phrase “In Jesus’ Name” really mean? For many it is something attached at the end of their prayer out of habit. To others it is a way to make their prayer request official as if to guaranty that it will make it happen. And to some, it is associated with the authority of Jesus as if it were Jesus actually doing it. Most of us know that the words “In Jesus Name” is used many times in the New Testament. Let’s get into God’s word to hear what He has to say about this practice.
Examples where “in Jesus name” is used.
John 14:12-14 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!”
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Jesus was talking to the disciples about what to do after he was gone.
John 16:22-27 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
Here are a few passages where the phrase “in Jesus name” is not incorporated.
The Lord’s prayer as example.
Matthew 6:7-13 “…when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
Mark 11:22-24 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore, I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
A few years ago, I heard things that I chose to put into practice, incorporating these two concepts into my life. It started as I tried to wrap my head and heart around the verse found in the list of final instructions and benediction to the church in Thessalonica.
I Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
As I attempted to keep my thoughts on God, I enjoyed constantly communicating with Him by sharing as well as listening. As that process was constantly being interrupted by my brain focusing on the tasks at hand, I was reminded that since the Holy Spirit resides within me, then all of my thoughts and actions are in His presence. I am now doing my best to recognize that as reality, practicing the presence of God.
As for myself, I speak to God in prayer in a way similar to how I would be writing a letter to one of my parents or a very dear friend, all the while knowing full well that He knows what is best for me and has a plan for my every heartbeat. God looks on your heart so when you include the phrase “in Jesus name”, don’t just throw it in there as a ‘good luck charm’ (what scripture describes as “vain repetition”). Because of what our savior accomplished on the cross, the veil was torn in two, we can now step into the very presence of God based upon His grace and what Jesus purchased for us.
This week’s Scripture:
John 14:12-14; 15:16; 16:22-27; Matthew 6:7-13; Mark 11:22-24 and I Thessalonians 5:17
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