6.30.24 Willisburg Bulletin
Have you ever thought about what it means when you say ““in Jesus’ name, amen”? Too often, you probably say it without thought and it becomes a habit. It becomes that quote at the end of every prayer, right? Understanding what this really means is truly important and will enhance your grasp on the power of prayer. It is confirming you believe you have access to the Father through Jesus (John 14:6). Through faith is the only way fellowship with Christ is restored and by God’s grace bestowed upon you that you’re able to call Jesus’ Father, yours too. Jesus often taught His disciples to pray in His name (John 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23-24) If He tells the disciples to do such, don’t you think you ought to as well? It also says you realize God hears your prayers just as He would listen to Jesus (Ephesians 1:6; Hebrews 7:25) and you trust His answers. God listens to His children, which you are if you are in the body of Christ. To pray in Jesus’ name is to recognize that you’re surrendering to the will of God, not your own (John 14:12-14). Ultimately, it is important to say in your prayers to show you understand that your access to God is only through the mediator, Jesus ( 1 Timothy 2:5). Another aspect of praying is some people think if you ask for something and even pray in Jesus’ name is to recognize that you’re surrendering to the will of God, not your own (John 14:12-14). Ultimately, it is important to say in your prayers to show you understand that your access to God is only through the mediator, Jesus ( 1 Timothy 2:5).
Praying According to His Will
Another aspect of praying is some people think if you ask for something and even pray in Jesus name, that you would be able to get everything you asked for, yet that’s not so (James 4:1-3, 15). The first problem is you can’t expect a certain answer from God. Also, if God hasn’t commanded it or it isn’t seen as something prayed for in scripture, you probably need to be rethink praying about it. Prayers must be said according to God’s will. Part of this has been talked about already regarding your motives and attitude before you pray. During your prayer, how you address God and what you say need to be approved too (1 John 5:14). The best thing is God has given you all you need to know, you just have to search the scriptures. Not all the time are you going to fully know His will. However, the beauty of prayer is shown during your persistence in prayer; His will unfolds and your prayers begin aligning. As you continue to pray, you begin to learn more about God’s will, which will help guide and shape your future prayers. You learn to accept the answer He gives you and you adapt your prayers to such. For example, when you realize the thing you have been praying for constantly is not going to happen, then you adjust your prayer to accepting what is actually happening and to use His answer for the furtherance of His good. Even Jesus encountered not receiving exactly what he wished, because it was not God’s plan, yet He accepted His answer of no and went through with being sacrificed for everyone. In Matthew 26:36-46, Jesus prayed to God in the Garden and asked multiple times for the cup to pass but if not, let God’s will be done. This needs to be your attitude, to ask, but if not, accept His will.