What Does it Mean to Pray in Jesus' Name?

Learning To Pray Like Jesus

What Does it Mean to Pray in Jesus’ Name?

Luke 11:1

Goal of this series: That we, like the disciples would learn how to pray from Jesus

Key Thought: Learning to pray like Jesus is not about a specific verbal formula but is more about the Motives or posture of our heart

Why Do We Pray In Jesus’ Name?

Most important reason: Jesus Says We Should

“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, 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)

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” (John 15:16)

What Does It Mean To Pray In Jesus’ Name?

1. Claiming Christ’s merit more than my own

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:19–23)

Praying in Jesus’ name is:

• A confession of our Unworthiness

• A proclamation of Jesus’ Worthiness

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,” (Ephesians 1:7)

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

• An acknowledgment of what Jesus is doing Right Now

“Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34)

“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

• A recognition of the limits of our Wisdom

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26–27)

2. Seeking Christ’s purposes more than my own

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42)

Ask Boldly – Surrender Completely

When I trust in God’s wisdom, love and power, I will want His will more than My Own

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21)

3. Loving Christ’s glory more than my own

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13–14)

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

 “saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”” (Revelation 5:12–13)

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” (Psalm 115:1)

When Christ is most Honored, I am most Blessed

Concluding Thoughts:

• Learning to pray like Jesus is not about a specific verbal formula but is more about the motives or posture of our heart

• Praying in Jesus’ name is not another thing that I have to get right so that my prayers will be perfect. It is one more gift of God because my prayers are so Imperfect

Making It Personal:

• How will I make spending time in prayer a priority for my life in this New Year?

• What new perspective did I gain about “Praying In Jesus’ Name” from today’s teaching?

• How can I apply today’s teaching to my personal prayer life?

• Focus on prayer as we begin a New Year by working through the book, “Prayer With No Intermission”.

• Who can I share these truths with?