Through prayer the most incredible answers are received. Jesus often taught that the promises and answers to prayers were received when prayers were offered in His Name.
“Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, 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, NASB)
“Prayer reaches its highest level when offered in the Name which is above every name, for it lifts the petitioner into unity and identity with himself.”
(Samuel Chadwick, The Path of Prayer, page 32)
In The Path of Prayer, Samuel Chadwick points out that Jesus never explained what was meant by praying in His Name. The Israelites understood what was in a name, in His Name.
What do we need to understand about His Name?
- In the Name of Jesus. His name expresses Who He is. His personality, character, and all His being is wrapped up in His Name. Something unique and powerful occurs as we pray in His Name. There is a sincerity of heart and a purity of motive that aligns with Christ will and purposes.
“Prayer in Christ’s name is prayer according to the character of His mind, and according to the purpose of His will. To pray in the name of Christ is to pray as one who is at one with Christ, whose desires is the mind of Christ, whose desires are the desires of Christ, and whose purpose is one with that of Christ.” (Samuel Chadwick, page 32)
- For His Name’s Sake. Jesus lives to make intercession for His own. He prays on our behalf. It is for His sake that our prayers are heard by the Father. Answered prayers bring glory and honor to His Name. Answered prayers demonstrate to the world that He stands alone in power; His purposes prevail; and He is faithful to His promises.
“He endorses our petitions and makes our prayers His own, and “the Father hears Him pray.” Prayer in His name is heard for His name’s sake. (Samuel Chadwick, page 34)
Prayer will always remain a mystery. But one thing we know is that we only need to say the precious name of Jesus and He hears and draws close to His own.
Photo by Artem Kovalev on Unsplash
When I pray, I know that He will answer in a way better than I can figure out on my own. I am so glad we have a worthy Father who really listens and recognizes our heart's intent - and loves us so much, He finds the best way to answer.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Maryleigh! There are so many times I have been grateful He did not answer the way I had hoped.
ReplyDeleteThese are neat insights into praying in the name of Jesus. I like to think of it as praying according to His will and character, but also with the reminder that it is through Him we have access to God.
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