“Whatever you ask the Father in my name . . .” (John 16:23)
On Monday I presented the first installment of a six-part message on the three key words in prayer: “in Jesus’ name.” I want to explore six reasons why praying in Jesus’ name is the key component in the prayers we pray. On Monday we saw that praying in Jesus’ name gives us access to God the Father; today we will see that praying in Jesus’ name gives our prayers power.
Key #2 – Power
Praying in Jesus’ name give us access to the Father, and it puts power in our prayers as well. You see, the Lord Jesus has given us all the right to use His name when we come before the throne of grace, knowing the unlimited power His name carries with it. Because all authority has been given to Jesus by the Father (Matthew 28:18), praying in Jesus name carries with it all of His authority . . . and that is an insuperable power!
Here is a wonderful example of the power of Jesus’ name. Peter and John were on their way to the temple at the hour of prayer in the afternoon. Remember, these two could not even stay awake for one hour to keep watch and pray with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night He was betrayed; now they are men of prayer.
Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, then ninth hour. (Acts 3:1)
When they arrived at the temple, they encountered a lame man who was carried to the gate of the temple each day to ask for alms from those entering the temple. When this man saw Peter and John, he made his request. Peter replied, “Look at us!” Fully expecting to receive some charity, the man turned to look at the two apostles, and he heard these powerful words that changed the trajectory of his entire existence:
Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6).
In that instant, this man who had been lame from birth experienced the power of prayer in Jesus’ name. Peter took the lame man by the right hand, helped him up, and immediately the man’s feet and ankles became strong. Then comes my favorite part: This man who had been lame from birth began walking and leaping and praising God! He followed Peter and John into the temple courts, still crying out praises to the God who had healed him.
Remember, there is all the power you need to meet your every need when you pray in Jesus’ name. Have you been accessing it?
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 