Why we pray in the name of Christ

[Paul]

In Colossians 3:17 we're told that, "whatever we do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

The reason we pray through Christ is because sin has separated us from God. Isaiah 59:2 tells us that "our iniquities have separated us from our God; And our sins have hidden His face from us, So that He will not hear."

Because we're separated from God we need a mediator or representative, to make peace on our behalf.

Jesus is that mediator. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 tells us that "there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Because Jesus acts as our mediator, Eph 3:12 tells us we have, "boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him." So we pray in Christ's name because it's through Christ that we come to the Father.

[Caleb]

Thanks for posting that. But it begs the question, why do some churches pray in the names of the "Father, Son & Holy Spirit?" (or "Holy Ghost")

[Paul]

That's an interesting question. I think it's based on the formula for baptism ("baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit"...). While it isn't an essential issue I do think that Scripture teaches that...

We pray IN the Holy Spirit

"For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Romans 8:26)

"...praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18)

THROUGH Christ

"Whatever we do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17)

And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (1 John 2:1 )

TO The Father


In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name (Matthew 6:9)

[UNeverEverNo]

We pray IN the Holy Spirit


THROUGH Christ


TO The Father

:thumb

[BHiles]

Many will tag the end of the prayer with "In Jesus Name, Amen" as if it is the lucky charm, magic words to get God to answer/accept the prayer.

That is not what praying in Jesus' name means.

Praying in Jesus name means we come to God under Christ's (Name)Authority:


We come to the throne room with access because of what Jesus' blood sacrifice has afforded us.

We are not asking amiss but asking that God consider our petition in the light of what His will is.

We are not abusing grace nor access to the throne room by claiming promises without fulfilling our part of the responsibility of the promise

Our attitudes are Christ like as we approach His Father In reverence, respect, praise and thankfulness.

[Paul]

Many will tag the end of the prayer with "In Jesus Name, Amen" as if it is the lucky charm, magic words to get God to answer/accept the prayer.

That is not what praying in Jesus' name means.

Praying in Jesus name means we come to God under Christ's (Name)Authority:


We come to the throne room with access because of what Jesus' blood sacrifice has afforded us.

We are not asking amiss but asking that God consider our petition in the light of what His will is.

We are not abusing grace nor access to the throne room by claiming promises without fulfilling our part of the responsibility of the promise

Our attitudes are Christ like as we approach His Father In reverence, respect, praise and thankfulness.

I'll need to add this point because it's very important -- especially nowadays when Jesus has been many have tried to reduced Jesus to a genie in a bottle.