Prayer in the name of Jesus

LeeJUk · #1 (**permalink**) 08-30-2009, 06:38 PM

OK so here's something that has been confusing me.

I know that to pray in the name of Christ doesn't mean we just say "in Jesus name" at the end of prayers.

I know it carries the idea of Coming to God cleansed, forgiven, righteous because of him and his work.

OK thats great, but heres my question. Lets say I were to pray for God to make my pastor preach the gospel. To pray in the name of Christ would it mean that I've to basically mean God I'm only coming to you accepted in Christ and know that you can freely give me this because I'm your child now and theres no more seperation or wrath. Or would it mean Lord please grant me this because by Christ's Righteousness and his sacrifice on the cross, he has afforded all these answers to prayer for us?

If you have any other notes to make on praying in the name of Christ then please go into as much detail as you like

I'll read it.

OPC'n · #2 (**permalink**) 08-30-2009, 11:22 PM

HuH? I just woke up from a nap....but this sounds pretty much the same to me.

***toddpedlar*** · #3 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 05:33 AM

One should recognize that in prayer, we are not guaranteed that God answers the way we want Him to and when we want Him to. God answers "no" quite frequently to His children's prayers, and that should not cause us to doubt His love for us or the words concerning prayer that we see in Scripture. We should always remember that prayer ultimately is not about our getting our wants and desires met.

Tim · #4 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 07:32 AM

Another aspect of praying in Christ's name is that you believe that those things you are requesting are in accordance with God's revealed will. That is, you believe it is scriptural to pray that your pastor preach the gospel.

"Heavenly Father, I know that you are grieved when your Gospel is not faithfully preached. In Your Word, Your servant Paul told Timothy about the importance of sound doctrine. Will you be gracious to my pastor, that he might see the mandate he has to glorify You in preaching the Truth. In Jesus' name (i.e., I believe this to be a faithful prayer for Your glory), Amen"

**KMK** · #5 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 10:05 AM

Wouldn't you rather express your dissatisfaction with your pastor in a private forum?

LeeJUk · #6 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 02:39 PM

That was not my purpose at all. I think my pastor preaches useful and edifying sermons these days.

Yeah I know madcow. but I'm trying to get to the bottom of this praying in the name of Christ stuff.

**KMK** · #7 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeJUk

That was not my purpose at all. I think my pastor preaches useful and edifying sermons these days.

Sorry, I misunderstood.

AThornquist · #8 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 02:56 PM

Good question, Lee.

I think a lot of people just say "in Jesus' name" without giving thought as to what that actually means. The phrase is used almost superstitiously in some circles as if "in Jesus' name" is the magical phrase that God requires in order to listen to our prayers. Personally, I sometimes intentionally avoid saying "in Jesus' name" because I don't want the words to be thoughtlessly stuck in as a "proper goodbye," like writing "Sincerely" at the end of a letter. Rather, I say things similar to, "I pray this to your glory, Lord. Let your will be done. Amen." I pray in Jesus' name by recognizing the God I pray to and what He has and will do and reflecting that in my attitudes, intentions, and desires. That's what I believe to be the purpose of praying "in Jesus' name;" however, that's not to say it's wrong to say "in Jesus' name."

**Prufrock** · #9 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toddpedlar

One should recognize that in prayer, we are not guaranteed that God answers the way we want Him to and when we want Him to. God answers "no" quite frequently to His children's prayers, and that should not cause us to doubt His love for us or the words concerning prayer that we see in Scripture. We should always remember that prayer ultimately is not about our getting our wants and desires met.

If I read your OP correctly, I think Todd's answer is the closest to your question. The work oblation and intercession of Christ has not purchased for us anything we could ask for in prayer; rather, by it we are reconciled to God and receive the adoption of children, whereby we may come to God confidently as his children in humble prayer. I might recommend meditating on Christ as mediator between you and God while praying, how he is interceding for you as you pray, presenting your prayers to the Father and supplying that which is lacking in your faith and obedience.