Jesus Name Above All Names : Ask in His Name

If you’ve been following this month’s Embrace the Word, you know that we have been reading, writing, and studying the names and titles of Jesus: THE NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES. As we explore that wonderful Name, I also want to look at USING that Name. Today we will look at praying in Jesus’ Name. 

Whatever you ask in My Name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My Name, I will do it. John 14:13-14

Many take this verse to mean that we can ask ANYTHING in Christ’s Name and receive it. That is why many have unmet expectations and believe that their prayers are not heard. The key to understanding this passage (and any passage) is context. 

What is Jesus talking about when He makes this statement? He was talking about the authority in which He operated. It was the Father’s authority! In the 10th verse of that same chapter, Jesus says, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.” 

Everything that Jesus did was to honor and bring glory to the Father. He did not speak in His own authority but instead gave us an example to follow. Just as Jesus acted only in the Father’s authority, we should act only in His authority. 

When we ask in Jesus’ Name, we are asking “by His authority” and for the expressed reason that the Father be glorified! 

Take a look at your prayers. Are you asking for things that don’t bring the Father glory? Are you asking for things you want, with no regard for what He wants and desires for and from your life? That is not the way! 

Let’s reread our key verse: 

Whatever you ask in My Name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My Name, I will do it. John 14:13-14

Jesus is saying He will do those things that glorify the Father! 

We are admonished in scripture to ask, not for just anything, but for those things that honor the Father and the Son. 

1 John 5:14-15 explains, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.”

We can be confident that our prayers be answered when we ask according to Jesus’ will. His will is to glorify His Father. 

When we pray in that beautiful Name of Jesus, we are praying in His authority. He has given us access to Heaven. We can confidently pray and ask for things that bring the Father glory! When our requests are made in the Name of Jesus, God will move on our behalf and pour out in such a way that He is glorified in the Son! 

So, pray in the beautiful, wonderful Name of Jesus! Pray for what brings glory and honor to Him. Tap into Heaven’s power and authority that comes in the matchless Name of Jesus! 

Father, I thank you for the ability to ask in the Name of your Son, Jesus. Forgive me for the times that I put my will before Yours. Help me to know Your will so that I ask for only those things that bring You glory. Help me to rejoice as I anticipate Your answers to my prayers. 

In Jesus’ Name, 

Amen

I love you all! 

Your friend in the journey,