In Jesus' Name

Most of us Christians end our prayers by saying, "... in Jesus' name. Amen." But what does that really mean?

Sometimes we seem to think it is some kind of magic formula, or worse, a way to force God's hand. "After all," we think, "scripture promises us that if we ask for something in Jesus' name, then he will do it."

Most of us are mature enough, however, to understand that we can't manipulate God. We know that we can't ask God to do something that is clearly against what we know of God's nature, and expect God to do it. "God, please send someone to beat up Billy, because he isn't nice to me."

We have probably moved on from there to understand that what we ask for "in Jesus' name" has to be something Jesus himself would ask for. This understanding requires us to take into consideration God's good nature, love, mercy and compassion. This is a better understanding of what it means to pray "in Jesus' name," but what if it goes even deeper than that?

This may be a fine distinction, or dabbling in semantics, but what if it means praying as if it were Jesus uttering the words?

Consider this: When I was a kid, sometimes Momma would send me as her emmissary to deliver a message to my brother. "Momma said to make your bed and clean up your room." All was well if he believed me (I don't recall ever abusing parental authority) and did what Momma said. But if he didn't... "I thought I told you..." "You didn't tell me, Mark did!" "But I TOLD him to tell you; it's the same as though I told you myself!" Keep in mind that this was back in the day when switches were commonly used to make parental points. Ouch!

Praying as if it were Jesus himself uttering the words suggests a very close relationship with Jesus. It suggests that we think like Jesus thinks, that we want the same thing that Jesus wants. What a privilege it is to be trusted with such awesome authority! Dare we use this authority selfishly, or frivolously?

Be blessed.
Pastor Mark