The Three Key Words – Part 4

“Whatever you ask the Father in my name . . .” (John 16:23)

We are halfway through a six-part message on the three key words we utter in prayer: “in Jesus’ name.” I have been expanding on six reasons why praying in Jesus’ name is the key component in the prayers we pray. We have seen that praying in Jesus’ name gives us access to God the Father and power in our prayers. We also saw that the invitation to pray in Jesus’ name is a clear indication of how deep our Father’s love is for us. Today we’ll look at the fourth reason: Assurance.

Key #4 – Assurance

We have been speaking about our prayers in Jesus’ name, but today I want to share with you how our assurance in prayer is for the name of Jesus.

“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14).

And there you have it! The glory of God is at stake when we pray in Jesus’ name. Whether we are crying out with the most heart-wrenching, soul-aching prayers or simply engaging in something as seemingly insignificant as asking a blessing over our food, the glory of God is at stake . . . and God will not allow anything to violate or encroach on His glory. Think about that for a minute; could there be any greater assurance in approaching the throne of grace? I don’ think so!

So as you are praying in the name of Jesus, remember that you are also praying for the name of Jesus. As you pray in Jesus’ name, you are coming into the presence of the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit, joining Jesus in doing what He ever lives to do: bringing glory to His Father in heaven. Let that truth sink deep into your soul and keep you coming continually into the presence of the Father, praying in Jesus’ name, knowing the assurance you have because every prayer uttered in Jesus’ name is also for Jesus’ name.

You may recall the event described in John’s gospel when Jesus cried out, “Father, glorify your name!”

Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. (John 12:28-29)

His name is glorified when we pray in the name of His beloved Son. Let us glorify His name . . . praying in Jesus’ name . . . again and again and again!

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!