BY REV. DORAL PULLEY, Today’s Church Tampa Bay
“In that day you will ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you (John 16:23).”
Praying in the name of Jesus is more than saying “in the name of Jesus” at the end of prayer (John 16:22-27). Praying in the name of Jesus is praying with the understanding that when you pray you pray in his authority and his power as if you were him. When you pray in the name of Jesus, you pray with the confidence and assurance that the Father will answer your prayer just as if you were Jesus Christ. You are an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ Jesus (Romans 8:17).
Imagine utilizing the name of Jesus as if you have a signed document giving you power of attorney. As a Kingdom citizen, you have the right to act on Jesus’s behalf on the earth since he is no longer here physically. You are his representative (II Corinthians 5:20). You have the power and authority to be who he was on the earth, to say what he said, and to do what he did and even greater works (John 14:12).
End your prayers with “in the name and through the power and in the consciousness of Christ Jesus.” In the name means in the nature or character of Christ Jesus. Although other people were named Jesus, your prayer is about the image that comes in mind when you say the name. “Through the power” is a reminder that there is Only One Power and One Presence in the Universe. The same power that Jesus Christ used in the Bible is the same power you can use now and get the same results. “In the consciousness of Christ Jesus” means that you are aware of Jesus’ development from Jesus (human) to Jesus Christ (both human and divine) to Christ Jesus (divinity first, humanity second). In this awareness, you can focus on your divinity and what God can do through you (Philippians 4:13).
Rev. Doral Pulley is the senior pastor of Today’s Church Tampa Bay, 940 5th Ave. S, St. Petersburg (Staybridge Suites) and 5107 North Central Ave., Tampa.
Thank you for helping me to understand the meaning behind some of the things we recite during prayers. The wisdom of your words shines through.