Invoking the name of Jesus truthfully
One of the most misunderstood, misused, and easily abused phrases in the language of Christianity is the one which invokes the name of Jesus in prayer. Understandably, Jesus did say that where two or three are gathered in his name, Jesus is there among them and that if, in Christ’s name one asks Jesus for anything, he will do it. Consequently, the tradition is strongly established to include the justifying phrase, “In Jesus’ Name” to the language of prayer. In many cases, however, doing so may be frighteningly sinful and outright blasphemous!
The problem comes down to one of motive, inspiration, and intent behind the prayer that invokes Jesus’ name. It is relevant that James, once a disciple and later a prophetic disciple of Jesus wrote in the book which bears his name, that believers ask in prayer, yet do not see the fulfilment of their requests because the nature of the appeal is misguided. James goes on to say that when people seek only to fulfill their own desires, the request is not one that is heard by God.
This presents a challenge for prayer and our trust in, and dependence on fervent prayer. Arguably, every person reading these words have offered prayers before heaven that not only reflect that which we really want, but ultimately appear to be unanswered—prayers for healing when the person still died, prayers for relief when things only got worse, or prayers for peace in the relationship when the result was still divorce are just simple examples. When faced with the eminent death of a loved one, relief from situations and circumstances that are harmful to our sense of wellbeing, and healing in marriage are wonderful and relevant things for which to fervently pray. To be fair, there is no sin in honestly asking God for that which one truly wants. However, the problem comes when Christians confuse our will with God’s will. This is where the danger of wielding the power of Jesus’ name becomes volatile.
To pray in the name of Jesus is to literally assume the authority of, and represent the character, reputation, and blessing of Jesus. To put it into perspective, one may consider the common document known as a Medical Power of Attorney. This simple document represents a sacred covenant between two people that, in cases where one person is incapable of making medical decisions for themselves, the named person in the Power of Attorney has sole authority to speak on behalf of the other person. At the heart of this critical covenant is the trust that the will of one is not only understood by the other, but that those desired wishes will be carried out even if there is disagreement. It is not the will of the one representing, but the will of the one being represented that must take precedent. The same principle applies to the invocation of Jesus’ name in prayer. When asking, interceding, and petitioning in Jesus’ name, it is vital that the one praying is truly representing the will of Jesus.
This is a very difficult reality for Christians to embrace. In spite of the fact that all Christians believe in Jesus Christ, we do not agree on that which is Christ’s will. In the face of contracting theologies, biblical interpretations, and applications of Christian doctrine, the reality is that none of us want to be wrong about Jesus. Out of our desire to do right, be right, and pray right, we can be quick to assume we know the will of God and can safely secure the authority of our prayer with Jesus’ name.
Yet, before we spout out “In Jesus Name” while praying, perhaps the most faithful thing to do is pause, meditate, reflect, and let Jesus guide the prayer rather than us assign our will to the power of his name!
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Invoking the name of Jesus truthfully