The Power Of Praying In Jesus' Name

One of my very favorite songs on 88.3 WAFJ right now is “In Jesus Name (God Of Possible)” by Katy Nichole. It gives me Godbumps every time I hear it, and I’m sure that each of us have our own situation or person that comes to mind when we sing the lyrics...”I pray for your healing, that circumstances would change...I pray miracles over your life, in Jesus’ name.” Have you ever stopped to think about the power behind that phrase in Jesus’ name? It’s so much more than just a tag line that we use at the end of every prayer.  

Praying in the name of Jesus is a special favor given to His followers. In John 14:12, Jesus told His disciples that anyone who has faith in Him will do what He has been doing – including following His example of how to pray in Matthew 6:9-13. When we pray, “In Jesus’ name,” we’re saying that we are praying as the Son of God would, setting aside our own will & ambitions to walk in God the Father’s will & plans for our life. When we accept Jesus’ gift of salvation, we are born again as children of God and co-heirs with Jesus (Galatians 3:26, John 1:12, Romans 8:17). He is our high priest - our connection - and because of Him, we can go to God with confidence, knowing that we’ll receive grace and mercy. (Hebrews 14:15-16.) 

To pray in the name of Jesus acknowledges that the Son of God is our lifeline to God the Father. God is holy. We are sinful. But when Jesus died on the cross to pay the price of our sins, He made a way for us to come to God. We are clothed in His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father (John 14:6), and THAT’S why we pray in His name.  

Realizing the power behind the phrase, “In Jesus’ name” should challenge each of us to check ourselves and examine the motives behind what we’re asking. “Is this what Jesus would want for me? Is this what Jesus would pray? Is this how Jesus would pray?” I remember an instance when I was a young child, and a terrible thunderstorm was approaching with threats of tornadoes. We lived in a mobile home, so tornado warnings always terrified me as a child (I blame the Wizard of Oz.) My mom was trying to comfort me and said, “It’s normal to be scared – but Jesus is in control and He will take care of us, so let’s pray about this.” So I began to pray out loud, something to this effect: “Lord, I don’t know why You’re letting these storms come near our trailer, but you better stop it right now, and You better not let any tornadoes come near us...” Needless to say, Mom didn’t tolerate my haughty, defiant tone long enough to get to amen. I had always been taught to pray, but that’s the day I learned how to pray (and now NOT to pray.) Such a demanding prayer was definitely NOT in Jesus’ name, and definitely not how He would pray. 

Yes, “In Jesus Name (God Of Possible)” is a beautiful song - but it’s SO much more than just great lyrics set to nice music. It’s a powerful declaration of the authority given to the Name above all names, Jesus. What a privilege that we can make our requests known using His precious name! The next time you hear "In Jesus Name (God Of Possible)” playing on 88.3 WAFJ, I hope this makes you lean in closer and be mindful of the significance behind the words you’re singing along with. I know I will.