Asking (Praying) in the Name of Jesus
Reading Luke 11: 1-12
Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. John16:23-24(NRSV)
Jn 16:23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
Jn 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (NIV)
A major new departure in the method of prayer introduced by Jesus was that disciples should ask the Father in the name of Jesus (John 14:13; 16:23-24). To pray in this manner is not to use a magic formula but rather represents
I. the new ground on which the worshiper stands,
II. a new plea for the success of his petitions,
III. and a new mind within which the prayer is conceived.
Thus the aim of prayer is not to make God change his will but to enable disciples of Jesus to change their minds and dispositions as they are molded by his Spirit.
Luke 11:9 Jesus’ description of prayer and the promises connected with each
Ask – and it will be given to you
Seek – and you will find
Knock – and the door will be opened to you
• In threefold poetic form Jesus teaches that “every one who asks” – not simply the persistent – will receive from God
When we ask
• The Greek word ‘aiteo’ translated as ‘Ask’ is used only by a person who is lesser in position than the person to whom the petition is made (e.g. Man asking something from God; a child from the parent; a subject from a king; a beggar from a passer by
• ‘aiteo’ does not give blank authorization to demand anything from God, but only to ask in full dependence up on God’s discernment of the particular need and action according to His wisdom
• With reference to petitioning to God Paul uses the same verb Ephesians 3:20;
Eph 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
Colossians 1:9:
Col 1:9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
When Jesus asks
• Jesus never used ‘aiteo’ when making requests to the father because of his equality with God. He used the word ‘erotao’ which is translated in English as ‘Ask’ but the petitioner is on a footing of equality & familiarity with the person whom he requests.
Conclusion
• Just imagine how privileged we are to pray in the name of Jesus
• He knows the mind of God who knows our need - that is why he so confidently said "Your heavenly Father knows [what you need]" (Mt 6:32).
