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Hi, Jon! Thanks for the comment, and I agree with you that a lot of people tend to use the “In Jesus’ Name” suffix on prayers almost as if it were a magic spell: “Say these words and watch the amazing result!”. Pastor Roger Barrier at Crosswalk.com had a great response to this:

“Praying in Jesus’ name means praying with His authority and asking God the Father to act upon our prayers because we come in the name of His Son, Jesus. Praying in Jesus’ name means praying in line with the will of God (1 John 5:14-15).”

For me, this makes sense - when I pray in Jesus’ name, it’s not going to be for frivolous things (“O Lord Won’t You Buy Me A Mercedes Benz”). It’s going to be for healing of a close friend or loved one, resolving issues that are being ignored, and other critical things that require divine intervention. And it’s not going to be “Hey, God, stop the Ukraine war in the name of Jesus, amen.”

Although some would scoff that prayer needs to be “heartfelt”, it MUST be done in truth and sincerity, and with full faith in the Trinity. Any other prayer — even if followed by the “magic words” — is strictly mumbled words.

What’s your take on it, Jon?

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Thanks for that Steve. For me one of the great lessons in life is found in James' 'You have not because you ask not.' In Isaiah 8 the king of Judah, I think Remaliah but I am not looking it up, is promised deliverance from the Lord and told to ask for a sign. He refuses, I think because he already had his own plans to deal with the enemy and didn't really want the Lord's help. Isaiah gets crazy mad and tells him that he is wearing out the Lord's patience. All because the Lord wanted to give him something and he wouldn't be part of it. Of course, the Lord responded by promising to send Immanuel. His response to our failures is always shockingly gracious.

I was curious what you understand by asking 'in Jesus' name'. It can't simply be tacking those words on to your request, but I have never satisfied myself what exactly it does mean. Any thoughts?

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