Brenda Reid Brenda Reid

The Power of Praying in Jesus’ Name

Why is it that we pray in Jesus’ name?  

Most of us, when we pray, finish by saying ‘In Jesus’ name, amen.” But why should we be intentional about doing so?

First, there is salvation in no one else,  no other name under heaven , no god, no power other than Jesus Christ brings salvation, redemption, forgiveness and freedom. 

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Next, we know that Jesus holds ALL authority.  He reminded the disciples of this in Matthew 28:18

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” 

Who better to lift our appeals and praise to than the One who has all authority?  He shares His position and power with no other.  He truly is Almighty.

There is power in the name of Jesus; and everyone and everything will one day bow the knee and confess His Lordship.  

Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  

 

The dangers of ambiguity

We live in a culture and age in which, too often, people will depend on “good vibes” or will “pray” to a ‘nebulous’ god, but not to the One to whom they should submit as Lord and Savior.  In many ways, it’s an act of defiance and in others, idolatry. We hear people appeal to ‘goodness’ or comfort others by saying they will ‘hold others in the light’, but none has the power to do what Jesus’ can and will do.  Remember, Satan masquerades as an ‘angel of light’ (2 Corinthians 11:14) He will do whatever he can do detract and pull us from the true Powerhouse of Prayer. Authentic, life-changing prayer happens in true relationship with Jesus Christ.  There is no substitute.

 

What evidence does scripture give of the effectiveness of prayer in Jesus’ name?

  • Prayer in Jesus’ name brings healing:

Acts 3:6 is the account of Peter and John providing healing for the lame man; “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

Did you catch that? In the name of Jesus!

  • Prayer in Jesus’ name causes earthly authority to fear: 

Acts 4:18 “And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.”

  • Prayer in Jesus' name has power over supernatural/spiritual oppression and demonic influence:

Acts 16:16-18 Paul and Silas encountered a demon-possessed girl.   “One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a demon-possessed slave girl. She was a fortune-teller who earned a lot of money for her masters.  She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.”  This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her.”

  • Prayer in Jesus’ name gives life:

John 20:31 “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

  • Prayer in Jesus’ name gives boldness:

Ephesians 6:19-20 was Paul’s appeal to the believers to pray for him as he continued to share the gospel.  “And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.  I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.” 

  • Prayer in Jesus’ name brings unity:

1 Corinthians 1:10 “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

  • Prayer in Jesus’ name cleanses us, justifies us before God and makes us holy:

1 Corinthians 6:11 “…But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

  • Prayer in Jesus’ name brings comfort:

2 Corinthians 1:3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,” 

  • Prayer in Jesus’ name guards and protects:

Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

  • Prayer in Jesus’ name is powerful, effective and not only brings change to the situation, but has the power to change us in the process, as well.

James 5:17b “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

What is it that you’re praying for today?  Pray boldly.  Pray with confidence and pray in Jesus’ name.

Why not share your requests here?  You can be as specific or as general as you feel comfortable.  But we can all lift one another in prayer and bring these burdens and heartaches to the throne of grace.  Prayer in Jesus’s name is powerful and effective.  Let’s amp up our prayer life.  Let’s grab hold of the power that is ours in Jesus.  Let’s fight on our knees with the power of heaven on our side.  No ‘good vibes’. No holding one another in the light. No generic drive-through prayers. Let’s pray bolding in the name of Jesus!

Pray without ceasing, friends. We serve the almighty God, maker of heaven and earth!

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