Why Pray in Jesus’ Name?

PrayerPower

They peer up at me, two identical little faces, three year old minds poised innocently on the precipice of life’s greatest dilemma.

“Mommy, who’s the oldest, you or Mrs. Jackson?”

“Mrs. Jackson.”

“Then she’s the boss, right?”

The twins know parents are in charge. Their question isn’t, “who’s the oldest?” It’s “who has authority?”

Ah, from the lips of a child, the question of the ages.

Who is the boss? Is someone in charge of us, of the world? Who has the right, the power and the ability to be in control? Is there anyone who can meet need and answer prayers? To whom should we pray?

The Supremacy of Christ
We pray in Jesus’ name because he is God and was coexistent with God in the beginning. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” John 1:1,2

Jesus definitely qualifies as oldest.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:15-20

Jesus definitely qualifies as boss of our lives.

Jesus states, Matthew 28:18 He promises us, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” John 14:13 “Whatever you ask in my name”…the authority is his to do it.

We pray in Jesus name because he loves us and his character is trustworthy. He is pure love and cannot withhold from us; love compels his actions. He is all knowledge and wisdom. He knows what I need and how to best meet that need with his all-power. “Christ Jesus…is at the right hand of God…interceding for us.” Romans 8:34 Astonishing, God prays for me, for you!

We pray in Jesus name because he commanded his children to “not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6,7

We pray in Jesus’ name because we’re helpless, unable to change our selves or our world. To pray is to partner with God, allowing his mind, message, and might to flow through us and transform us. To pray is to participate in miracles.
Why pray in Jesus’ name? Why would we not pray in that all-mighty name?

Petey Prater writes from Beaverton, Oregon. peteyprater@yahoo.com