Devotional—In Jesus’ Name

What did Jesus mean when he told us to ask “in his name?”

As our mediator, Jesus is one with humanity (and you and me), and he is one with the Father. This means when we pray, we are one with the Father through Jesus. Our prayers are not only in Jesus but also in the Father.

For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all. 1 Timothy 2:5-6

As a part of my kingdom living, I have tried remembering this as I pray to the Father. I haven’t been just tagging “in Jesus’ name, amen” on the end of my prayers. Instead, I am consciously focusing on the fact that my prayers are being lifted to and through Jesus to the Father. As I pray, I am looking at Jesus and, through him, to the Father.

At the same time, I am consciously listening for the Father to respond back through Jesus to me.

I may still conclude my prayer with “in Jesus’ name, amen,” but it has more meaning as I have focused on connecting with the Father through Jesus during the entire prayer.

Prayer
Father, thank you that Jesus is our mediator — one with you and one with us. Thank you that we have a direct connection to you through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Amen

By Glen Weber, Elder Emeritus
Aurora, CO, US