In Jesus' name...

How casually do you use that phrase? We are taught to pray "in Jesus' name" Jesus said in John 14:13 "And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." and again in verse 14, "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it."

That certainly sounds like we can ask anything of God in Jesus' name and it will be done. But let's examine that a little deeper. What does it really mean to "ask in Jesus' name"?

If you go to some and ask them to do something using the authority of someone else's name don't you need to be asking for something the authority would approve? Asking in someone's name mean to ask as they would ask; to honestly represent them to the person from whom you are entreating favor.

To ask God for something in Jesus' name that defies or does not line up with the written revealed Word of God is wrong...in fact, it is sin. One of the ten commandments instructs us not to use the Lord's name in vain. Using "in Jesus' name" to ask for things outside the will of God is using His name in vain. To ask frivolously, casually, flippantly "in Jesus' name" for God to act on your behalf is using His name in vain.

You cannot just tack "in Jesus' name" to the end of your prayers and expect God to be your cosmic bellhop jumping to fulfill your every request. There is great power in the name of Jesus and we must treat that name with the awe and reverence it rightfully deserves.

Let's pray,

"Father, we come humbly before you, to ask your forgiveness for the times we have thoughtlessly used the name of Jesus. Please give us wisdom in our asking, Father, that we would ask in accordance to your will, not our own.

"Thank you, Father, for your faithfulness, your mercy and your love. Help us to sew your love abroad in the world that others may come to know Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen."