then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Acts 4:10-11 NIV
We have been talking about prayer this week. Today I want to end with a look at the person of prayer. The reason we can pray to God, the Father, the maker of heaven and earth, is because of the Son, Jesus Christ. The reason prayer is ever answered is because of what Jesus did for us on the Cross. Without Jesus, there is no prayer.
We live in a culture today that is almost anti-Jesus. Its okay to pray to God; in fact, its almost admirable, but when we enter the name of Jesus in our prayers, people start to scramble for cover. Though this has not personally happened to me, I know several pastors who have been asked not to pray in public if they close their prayers "In Jesus Name". Thankfully, of the ones I know, they have rightly refused such a request. Jesus told us that His name would bring division among us. It isn't a matter of tolerance, it is a matter of importance. Perhaps when we realize that our prayers are of no use without Jesus we will begin to be less afraid to speak His name.
I have a firm conviction that the prayers of a Christian should be distinguishable from the prayers of those who do not know Christ. Think about your prayers? Would they be deemed appropriate at the opening of a new college building or at a session of your local government? If the name of Jesus would keep your prayers out, you are probably praying an effective prayer. I have a sense that God loves to hear His Son's name spoken. (Don't you like to hear your children's name mentioned?) Let's start using the name of Jesus frequently in our prayers!
Oh, Lord, teach us to pray...In Jesus Name, Amen!
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