Communion With God

Chapter 44—Pray in Christ'S Name

BIBLE GEM

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.”—John 14:13, 14 CWG 104.1

QUESTION

What does it mean to pray in the name of Jesus? Why is it supremely important that we pray in His name? CWG 104.2

ANSWER

More than the mention of His name: “To pray in the name of Jesus is something more than a mere mention of that name at the beginning and the ending of a prayer. It is to pray in the mind and spirit of Jesus, while we believe His promises, rely upon His grace, and work His works.”—Steps to Christ, 100, 101 CWG 104.3

Vital power in Christ's name: “The disciples were to carry their work forward in Christ's name. Their every word and act was to fasten attention on His name, as possessing that vital power by which sinners may be saved. ... In His name they were to present their petitions to the Father, and they would receive answer.... Nothing was to be recognized in His kingdom that did not bear His name and superscription.”—The Acts of the Apostles, 28 CWG 104.4

His name gives efficiency: “ ‘Ask in My name,’ Christ says.... ‘This will give your prayers efficiency, and the Father will give you the riches of His grace. Wherefore ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.’ ”—Testimonies For The Church 8:178 CWG 104.5

God honors Christ's name: “ ‘If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him’ (John 5:14, 15). Then press your petition to the Father in the name of Jesus. God will honor that name.”—Christ's Object Lessons, 148 CWG 104.6

The secret of success: “As yet the disciples were unacquainted with the Saviour's unlimited resources and power. He said to them, ‘Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name’ (John 16:24). He explained that the secret of their success would be in asking for strength and grace in His name. He would be present before the Father to make request for them.... CWG 105.1

“There is no one living who has any power that he has not received from God, and the source whence it comes is open to the weakest human being. ‘Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name,’ said Jesus, ‘that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.’ ‘If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.’ ”—The Desire of Ages, 667 CWG 105.2

God delights to answer: “We must not only pray in Christ's name, but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant when it is said that the Spirit ‘maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered’ (Romans 8:26). Such a prayer God delights to answer. When with earnestness and intensity we breathe a prayer in the name of Christ, there is in that very intensity a pledge from God that He is about to answer our prayer ‘exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think’ (Ephesians 3:20).”—Christ's Object Lessons, 147 CWG 105.3

SUMMARY AND PRAYER THOUGHT

There is no other name in Heaven or earth whereby we can be helped, saved, redeemed, protected, healed or restored. CWG 105.4

The name of Jesus is above every name. Happy, contented and blessed are His children who trust and obey and follow His counsel and guidance. CWG 105.5

He has defeated Satan and all his evil angels at Calvary. Therefore, when we pray in Jesus’ name we are assured of definite victory over the powers of darkness, over our evil nature, the world, and all the temptations of the enemy. CWG 105.6

Glory to God in the Highest! Praise and honor and thanksgiving be to Him who lives forever and ever. CWG 105.7

Thank you Lord for your loving and caring provision and for your eternal salvation through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. CWG 105.8