Praying in Jesus' Name: Authority and Alignment
by The Father's House on Oct 25, 2023
In my sermon, I used the analogy of naval battleships sailing under the flag of the United States to illustrate the concept of praying in the name of Jesus. I explained that these ships, representing the United States, are sailing under the authority and resources of the nation. They are considered a physical extension of the nation, carrying with it the full authority and resources of the USA. Similarly, when we pray in the name of Jesus, we are coming under His authority and resources, signifying that we are praying because He sent us.
However, I also highlighted a common issue that arises when we pray. Sometimes, we may say we are praying in Jesus' name, but our prayers are more self-centered, reflecting our desires rather than His will. In such cases, we are not truly praying in His name, but rather in our own. This calls for a sincere examination of our prayer life and a commitment to align our prayers with the will of Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
1. Praying in the name of Jesus means coming under His authority and resources, signifying that we are praying because He sent us ([00:31
2. A military ship at sea is considered a physical extension of its nation, carrying with it the full authority and resources of the nation. This is analogous to how we should approach prayer in Jesus' name ([00:31
3. Sometimes, we may say we are praying in Jesus' name, but our prayers are more self-centered, reflecting our desires rather than His will ([01:15
4. We need to examine our prayer life sincerely and commit to aligning our prayers with the will of Jesus ([01:15
Bible Reading:
1) John 14:13-14 [02:30
2) Colossians 3:17 [03:15
3) Ephesians 5:20 [04:00
Observation Questions:
1) What does it mean to do something in the name of Jesus according to the passages read?
2) How does the analogy of the naval battleship relate to praying in Jesus' name?
Interpretation Questions:
1) How does praying in Jesus' name reflect our understanding of His authority and resources?
2) What does it mean when we misuse Jesus' name in our prayers?
Application Questions:
1) Can you recall a time when you prayed in Jesus' name without fully understanding or considering His authority and resources? How does this understanding change your perspective?
2) How can you ensure that your prayers are genuinely in Jesus' name and not just a ritualistic ending to your prayers?
3) In what ways can you demonstrate that you are living under the authority of Jesus in your daily life, beyond just your prayers?
4) Can you think of a situation where you might have used Jesus' name more for your own benefit rather than coming under His authority? How can you correct this in the future?
Take a look at these ships.
These naval battleships are sailing under a flag—no, yes, in this case, the flag of the United States of America. That means that they're sailing in the name of the United States of America. They're coming under the authority of the United States; they're doing the business of the United States.
These ships represent the United States. In fact, a military ship out at sea is considered a physical extension of its nation. It is the United States out there on that water. It's coming in the name of the nation that sent it, and wherever it goes, it carries with it the full authority and all the resources of the USA to back it up.
So, to pray in the name of Jesus is to come under His authority, His resources, and say, "I'm coming because He sent me." That is what "in the name of Jesus" means.
The problem is, sometimes I think when we pray, we say, "In Jesus' name," and He goes, "Man, that wasn't in my name. I think that was more in your name." Right? Let's just be real.
1. "Take a look at these ships, these Naval battleships are sailing under a flag, in this case of the United States of America. That means that they're sailing in the name of the United States of America, they're coming under the authority of the United States, they're doing business of the United States. These ships represent the United States." - 0
2. "In fact, a military ship out at sea is considered a physical extension of its nation. It is the United States out there on that water. It's coming in the name of the nation that sent it and wherever it goes, it carries with it the full authority and all the resources of the USA to back it up." - 0
3. "So see, to pray in the name of Jesus is to come under his authority, his resources, and say I'm coming because he sent me. That is what 'in the name of Jesus' means." - 0
4. "The problem is, sometimes I think when we pray, we say 'in Jesus' name', he goes 'man, that wasn't in my name'." - 0
5. "I think that was more in your name. Let's just be real." - 0
Praying in Jesus' Name: Authority and Alignment
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