The way we pray
March 8, 2008 (Saturday)
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:12-14).
“In Jesus’ name” is a familiar conclusion to public prayers. I always say it, but I do not think of it as a magic phrase similar to “abracadabra.” Is a prayer acceptable if we do not use those words? Of course, if it is offered in the same spirit that Jesus had when he prayed. “In Jesus’ name” means we are coming to the Father to pray about things ultimately connected to the work of Jesus Christ in this world.
On November 22, 1963, the day the president of our country was assassinated, a local funeral home in Dallas received a telephone call. The voice on the line said, “This is a Secret Service agent. I want your best casket delivered to Parkland Hospital.” In whose name did the agent make that request? In his own name? No. In the name of the president? No. He made that request in the name of the United States of America. It was a request not to be denied, because it was made in the name of something greater than the person making it.
That’s what Jesus was talking about. When we pray, may our prayers be “in Jesus’ name,” with the attitude that we are participating in something far greater than ourselves.
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Footnote to history: The bronze casket from Oneal Funeral Home in Dallas was damaged and replaced by a mahogany casket from Joseph Gawler’s & Sons Inc. Funeral Home in Washington D.C. To avoid morbid curiosity about the bronze casket, it was dumped at sea in deep water at a site commonly used by the military.