“Jesus tells us something very comforting: “Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” He also says: “Whatever you ask the Father in my name He will give you.”
But what does it mean to pray “in Jesus’ name”? Many people think it only means ending our prayer with the words, “In Jesus’ name.” But Jesus means something deeper.
To pray in Jesus’ name means to pray the way Jesus would pray. It means asking for things that are good, loving, and pleasing to God.
For example, if someone prays: “Lord, help me take revenge,” or “Lord, make me richer than everybody else,” that is not praying in Jesus’ name. Why? Because Jesus never taught greed, pride, or hatred.
To pray in Jesus’ name means asking God for things that help us become better people. Like:
- “Lord, help me forgive.”
- “Lord, guide my family.”
- “Lord, help me become honest.”
- “Lord, heal my heart.”
- “Lord, guide our leaders.”
These are prayers close to the heart of Jesus.
Jesus also tells us today: “The Father himself loves you.” Sometimes people think God is far away or angry. But Jesus reminds us that God is a loving Father who listens and cares for us.
Prayer is not magic. Prayer is a relationship with God.
And sometimes, we wonder why not all our prayers are answered immediately. But God always answers prayer in one of three ways: “Yes.” “Wait.” Or: “I have something better for you.”
Later in life, many people realize: “Thank God He did not give me everything I asked for.” Because God sees what we cannot see.
Sometimes we ask for an easy life, but God wants us to grow stronger in faith.
Sometimes we ask for success, but God first teaches us humility and trust.
So prayer is not about forcing God to follow our will. Prayer is about learning to follow God’s will.
As we grow closer to Jesus, our prayers also begin to change. We stop praying only: “Lord, give me what I want.”
And we begin praying:
- “Lord, guide me.”
- “Lord, use me.”
- “Lord, make me faithful.”
- “Lord, let Your will be done.”
My dear brothers and sisters, God listens to our prayers because He loves us. But to pray in Jesus’ name is not only to say His name with our lips. It is to carry His spirit in our hearts.”