Page 67 - Teach us how to Pray - Book Layout - PDF

DIGGING DEEPER

Many think the expression “in the Name of Jesus Christ” means we
pray on behalf of Jesus. Those who think this way, say that it is the
same as to say that I write a letter on behalf of someone. In Biblical
times someone’s name was an expression of who or what he is. When
God gave someone a name it revealed something of that person in the
context of what God’s plan was for Him or His people. God gave people
the right names because He calls, but also because He knows man. God
gives His name to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:4). That name
is “I AM.” In doing so, He revealed two things about Himself. Firstly,
that man cannot contemplate God and thus man cannot give God a
name. Secondly, He reveals that He exists, that He is present, yet
untouchable. God reveals to us that His Name and His being is one!

When we pray then in the Name of Jesus Christ, we bring our prayers
before the Father in the person of Jesus Christ. He is our Savior who is
seated at the right hand of God and intercedes for us whenever we
draw near to God! We draw near to God and thus ask because of Jesus,
and it is only for the sake of Jesus that God answers our prayers.

Thus, we stand before God in Jesus Christ because of our unity in Him
through faith. I stand literally under Him, under His protection. I stand
before the Father in the perfect righteousness of
Christ. We, so to speak, disappear behind Jesus. By praying in the
Name of Jesus, Jesus himself speaks on our behalf.

9.2 Answering and God’s will

 Read 1 John 3:21,22 and 1 John 5:13-15. Also, read passages
like 1 John 3:3,4,7 and 10 as well as 1 John 5:9-11

 In what do we find assurance that our prayers will be
answered?
 What is a requirement for prayers that God answers?

 Read James 4:3.

 What, according to this verse, is the reason that our
prayers are not answered?