When we pray in Jesus’ name, it is the same as if Jesus were praying.
What a blessing that Jesus gave us His name to use when we pray! However, using the name of Jesus and having a revelation about the power in that name are two different things.
No one can bring revelation to himself—it must come from the Holy Spirit, the revealer of all truth. That’s why it’s important to pray for revelation about the name of Jesus and the power it holds for every believer.
I used the name of Jesus for many years without seeing the results the Bible said I could have. Not content to continue that way, I began asking God why, when I was using His name— which was supposed to have power over circumstances outside His will—I was not seeing results. I am so grateful He gave me a life-changing revelation about the importance of recognizing and using the power and authority in His name—the name that is above all names.
Christians today are not the only ones who have needed this revelation. When Jesus’ 12 disciples learned that He would be leaving them soon, they questioned Him about it and expressed great sorrow. Then Jesus spoke these words to them:
“I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that My Father will grant you whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I AM]. Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I AM]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete” (John 16:23-24, The Amplified Bible).
The 12 disciples, who had spent three years with Jesus, were sorrowful that He was going to physically leave them. Then Jesus explained to them that they would change their minds when they recognized the glory of having His Spirit residing in them and the privilege of using His name in prayer. He gave to them—and to all who believe, or ever will believe in Him—”power of attorney,” the legal right to use His name.
A practical example of this principle comes from a personal experience in our family. When our youngest son was still in school, we had people who stayed with him when Dave and I traveled and ministered in conferences. In order for those who were caring for him in our absence to get medical treatment for him if it was needed, we had to sign a legal document, a power of attorney, stating that they had the right to use our name in our son’s behalf—literally to make decisions in our place.
That is what Jesus did for His disciples and, ultimately, for all who would believe in Him. He said: “I have to go away, but I will give you My name. And when you pray to the Father in My name, He will grant you whatever you ask.” This is the authority you and I have been granted in His name. What an awesome privilege!
The Amplified Bible explains that asking in Jesus’ name really means presenting all that He is to the Father. This is very important, for it teaches us that when we pray in Jesus’ name, we are presenting all that He is and all that He has accomplished, not what we are and what we have done. Jesus has already been perfect and pleased the Father for us, so that takes the pressure off us.
His name takes His place—His name represents Him. When we pray in His name, it is the same as if He were praying. This privilege seems almost too wonderful to believe! But we can believe it because we have Scripture to back it up, and we must believe it for the sake of the continuation of His work in the earth. Unless we pray in faith, using Jesus’ name, nothing will be accomplished to further the kingdom of God in this world.
Along with the privilege of using His name comes responsibility. His powerful name is one of the most important weapons with which we can defend ourselves and attack the kingdom of darkness. So use the authority of Jesus’ name and put that power to work to overcome evil and bring the blessings of God to this world.
Joyce Meyer is a New York best-selling author and one of the world’s leading practical Bible teachers. She has written more than 70 books, including the popular Beauty for Ashes and Battlefield of the Mind, and her most recent, Battlefield of the Mind Devotional (all Warner Faith). She is also the founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries Inc. and the host of Enjoying Everyday Life radio and TV programs, which air on hundreds of stations worldwide. To read past colums in Charisma by Joyce Meyer, log on at www.charismamag.com/meyer.
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