Praying in Jesus's Name

By Dr. Ron Jones

In 2001, President-elect George W. Bush invited two men to pray for him during the inauguration ceremonies in Washington D.C. Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, and Kirbyjon Caldwell, a leading Methodist pastor from Houston, accepted the invitation and did not hesitate to voice their prayers in Jesus’s name, which, not surprisingly, lit a political and cultural firestorm.

And yet, praying in His name is exactly what Jesus taught His disciples to do during His Upper Room discourse (John 14:13-14, 15:16, 16:23-24). How else would anyone expect two Christian clergymen to pray?

What does it mean to pray in Jesus’s name? Primarily, it means that our access to the Father in prayer comes only through Jesus. We are in the Lord's presence by Jesus's merits, not ours, and pray in His authority. Though not a perfect illustration, praying to the Father in Jesus’s name is sort of like calling the President of the United States and invoking the name of a former President who already set up the conversation so that the current leader of the free world is expecting your call.

Praying in Jesus’s name also acknowledges the trinitarian aspects of biblical prayer. Christians pray to the Father, in the name of the Son, and by the Holy Spirit. I hear a lot of theologically sloppy praying directed to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. However, Jesus precisely taught His disciples to pray to “Our Father” and “in my name.”

In John 14:13-14, Jesus said, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Of course, the words “I will do” assume we have met all other prayer criteria, including praying according to the will of God (1 John 5:14).

Furthermore, as Christians, we need to be careful that we do not treat the words “in Jesus’s name” like the word “abracadabra,” which magicians use to signify the moment something magical happens. God the Father, who is all-powerful, is neither a genie nor a magician.

The Father generously grants His children access through prayer because of the mediatorial work of His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5). Thus, in Jesus’s name, “with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Add a Comment

“Every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”

Romans 8:28 MSG

I have been listening to Something Good Radio for several weeks. I gain new insights weekly that I can apply to my life. After a recent broadcast, I got down on my knees, confessed my sins, repented, and asked Jesus to be part of my life. Thanks to God's grace and mercy, you showed me His love. I am a new Christian because of your efforts.

Roger from Nebraska

Thank you so much for preaching the unchanging and powerful word of God every day on the airwaves. My wife and I are originally from India, and now live in Melbourne, Australia. . . . We love to listen to you breaking the Bread of Life. Keep upholding the word of truth in an increasingly dark and dying world.

Andrew from Australia

Something Good happened to me this morning. I listened to Ron's broadcast from last week and feel a renewed sense of hope and encouragement! It was exactly what I needed to hear―to be reminded that our God of yesterday, today and tomorrow will answer my prayers.

Mick from Virginia

Ron's messages on Something Good Radio have brought me back to God and have led me to rededicate my life to Him.

Chris from Mississippi

I learn, grow, and am better able to serve my family and others because of your ministry.

Karen from Indiana

I just want to take this moment to thank the Lord for what He is doing through you. ... We are thoroughly blessed by the wonderful expository preaching! There is so much more I could say, but I will end here. Thank you. my dear brother, so much.

Barlen from Virginia Beach

Your program on the radio is great. I listen to you all the time. Truckers, van drivers and all deliverers are being saved listening to the programs you come up with. God bless you and continue to broadcast more salvation programs for all those on the road, at home, and at work.

Jacob from Facebook

My dad passed away. While driving home, I happened upon your radio show. You talked about redemption. I normally would not have listened, but I was intrigued by what I heard. I want to hear more. I’m not a religious person but I couldn’t turn the program off. I want to learn more.

Cindy from Minnesota