Today we are discussing something unique and awesome in the prayer life of a believer. Right from the start we need to be aware that not only is prayer to be based on the Word of God and acted upon through revelation faith, but also Jesus was very clear that it is in His name that prayer is to be brought before the Father. In John 14:6 Jesus spoke these words, which form the basic structure for anyone attempting to relate to God. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” And Jesus also made these powerful statements concerning His name used in prayer. He said this in John 16:23-24, “I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

Jesus further emphasized asking of the Father in His name when He said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”  In John 14:12-14 He said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

To ask of the Father in Jesus’ name is our prayer approach to God. It is in the name of Jesus and only through Jesus that we can come to the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 elaborates, “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Our needs, our wants, our sicknesses, our diseases all must bow to the name of Jesus. Prayer offered in His name is the only way to approach the Father when seeking prayer results.

Jesus gave us the privilege to use His name for making requests of the Father, for taking authority over devils and demons and for giving high praise to the Father. There is power in the name of Jesus! He gave the following instructions to believers as recorded in Mark 16:17-18, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Notice that to those who believe in the name of Jesus and to those who act in the name of Jesus these very special signs will follow. They will: (1) cast out demons, (2) speak with new tongues, (3) take up serpents (this is a reference to taking authority over demonic activities), (4) if they drink anything deadly (as in accidental poisonings) it will by no means hurt them and (5) they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.

These awesome signs follow those who believe in the name of Jesus and who by faith act in the name of Jesus. When those conditions are met, Jesus Himself is prepared to follow up and act to fulfill the prayer requests that were offered. Remember always, however, that all prayer requests must be made in light of the instructions of I John 5:14-16 which says, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”Great wisdom is contained in Ephesians 6:10-13, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” These powerful commands alert and assure us as we take our stand of faith in prayer.

Once effective prayer for healing has gone forth, we need to heed the advice given here that when you have done all that you know to do according to the word of God, you take your stand of faith.  It is crucial to stand trusting God, stand trusting Jesus, stand trusting the Holy Spirit, and stand firmly trusting God’s Word. When you have done all that you can, stand in faith expecting to receive the benefits of trusting God “who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all of your sicknesses” (Psalm 103:3).

Prayer is crucial in our relationship with God, but it must follow the guidelines found in the Word to be effective and bring desired results. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 23 declares, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you…Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rejoice, pray without ceasing for this is the will of God for you as this is the established spiritual route for obtaining guidance, direction, personal enlightenment and so many of God’s blessings. The call to pray without ceasing does not mean that you must spend the day literally on your knees. It means keep God and His plan always gentle on your mind and be prepared to quickly consult with Him throughout the day. In fact, the Holy Spirit is ever present and ever ready to hear and respond to our prayers of faith.

Because of the power in the name of Jesus, representing all that He stands for, we as believers are truly blessed to have access to this wonderful name. It gives immediate access to the Father and is the name above all other names for bringing spiritual results according to the Word and the will of God. Exercise your privilege to use the name of Jesus Christ daily in prayer, and many times during the day, as you enjoy a close and meaningful relationship with your Heavenly Father.