Prayer in the Name of Jesus (John 14:12-14)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
24 September 2023
I speak here of prayer made in the name of Jesus. Such prayer will certainly be answered. This is the promise of Jesus. You can always trust Jesus.
The name of Jesus is descriptive of his person. He is the Saviour of sinners. He is the mediator between God and us. In his name we have a Saviour and a Priest.
His name is superior to all other names. People pray to many gods but Jesus is above all other gods. He is the Almighty God who has come in the flesh. His name is a name of authority. In this name demons fled. In this name the gospel was preached powerfully. In this name every knee shall one day bow.
How sad that people use Jesus' name blasphemously. Their minds are dark; their lips are dirty. They do not pray. They have no place in Paradise.
Pray with confidence because Jesus has triumphed over evil. He has all authority at his disposal. He is seated at the right hand of God interceding for his people. The devil cannot stop your prayers.
We are invited to come with boldness and to ask for things. If the King of kings invites you to come, then come. There is no reason to question his motive. He desires your presence.
But come with reverence. Jesus is holy. His name is hallowed. Have reverence for his person if you would have answers for your prayers.
Come with care as to what you ask for. Answered prayers are considered prayers. They are in accord with the word of God. At Pentecost the disciples prayed for the fulfilment of Christ's promise of the Holy Spirit. In captivity Daniel prayed for the fulfilment of Jeremiah's prophecy. God's will is revealed in his word. Therefore know God's word if you would know God's will.
Sometimes our prayers are not answered as we would like. But they are heard by the Lord and in his time he shall answer.
Consider some saints who did not see immediate answers to prayer. But the prayers were answered later.
Eve did not see the promised seed but the hope was kept alive through Abel and Seth. Moses did not enter the promised land but his people did—years later. David did not see the temple but his prayer came to fruition through his son Solomon. The Old Testament saints did not see the fulfilment of messianic prophecy but future generations did. The martyrs of Jesus cry for justice but must wait for the Lord’s day of vengeance. Supremely, Jesus died without seeing the fruit of his labour. But in time he would see the travail of his soul and be satisfied.
Know that prayers uttered in the name of Jesus shall be answered in his time and way. Our prayers are like incense in golden bowls rising up to the throne of grace. They are a sweet smelling aroma to the Lord. Gold is precious. Our prayers are precious.
Therefore be encouraged to pray in Jesus' name. His name is a prevailing name. In that name your prayers will be prevailing prayers.