Question Card Session 11/16/25
Notes
Transcript
Turn to Ephesians 2:13
This morning we are going to consider this question:
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Question: When we are just talking to Jesus or God as a friend walking with us, do we need to say, “in Jesus name I pray”? Will he not hear us if it isn’t in prayer form?
Imagine you’re going out for a walk or you are driving down the road. In those moments, do you need to say the words, “In Jesus’ name” in order for your prayer to be heard?
I’ve broken down this question into two parts:
“What does it mean to pray in Jesus’ name?”
“Do we have to say those words in order for our prayers to be heard by God?”
Let’s begin with the first question.
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“What does it mean to pray in Jesus’ name?”
Read Ephesians 2:13, 18, 3:11-12
Praying in Jesus’ name acknowledges this reality:
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That we have access to God only by Jesus Christ
The Bible is clear: Jesus is the only way to God! In a world of relativism, this truth brightly shines through the darkness! This is a hill to die on, a doctrine worth defending.
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Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
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Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
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By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
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Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Read Ephesians 3:20-21
Jesus is the only access to the throne-room of God. It is a theme repeated throughout the New Testament. Praying in Jesus’ name acknowledges that reality.
Secondly…
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Praying in Jesus’ name was assumed as normal for believers
Turn to and read John 14:13-14, 15:16, John 16:23–24, 26
Notice, there’s no imperative/there’s no command in these verses. However, as Jesus was teaching His disciples about prayer, it was assumed or understood that when they prayed to the Father, they prayed in the name of Jesus.
Later on, the apostle Paul expands this practice even beyond prayer.
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And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
So, what does it mean to pray in Jesus’ name? Does it mean to always add those words as a tag to the end of our prayers? And then to be logically consistent with Colossians 3:17, do we have to say those words in everything that we do?
That doesn’t seem very reasonable and that’s certainly not consistent with how our God operates.
Saying “in Jesus’ name” at the end of a prayer is not a magic formula. If what we ask for or say in prayer is not for God’s glory and according to His will, saying [the words] “in Jesus’ name” is meaningless. Genuinely praying in Jesus’ name and for His glory is what is important, not attaching certain words to the end of a prayer. It is not the words in the prayer that matter, but the purpose behind the prayer. Praying for things that are in agreement with God’s will is the essence of praying in Jesus’ name. - https://www.gotquestions.org/pray-Jesus-name.html
The Bible Knowledge Commentary 14:12–14
“In My name” (vv. 13–14) is not a magical formula of invocation. But the prayers of believers, as Christ’s representatives doing His business, will be answered.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary 14:12–14
To ask Me for anything “in My name” means to ask according to His will (cf. “in My name” in
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“Do we have to say those words in order for our prayers to be heard by God?”
There are two points that I want you to consider in response. Scripture teaches us by example that…
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Prayer can be formal or informal
Compare Nehemiah 1:4-11 vs Nehemiah 2:4, 13:14, 22, 29, 31
Compare the Lord’s prayer - Matthew 6:9 vs John 17
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God is more concerned about our heart than our words
I’m not completely discounting our words. Words matter, obviously, but when you pray, God is more concerned with your heart than He is with your words.
Turn to and read Luke 18:9-14
In this parable, one man prayed with flowery words. The other prayed with a broken heart over his sin. Which one did God hear?
God accepted the publican not because he had fancy words but because he had a repentant heart.
To answer the question, is it appropriate to pray in Jesus name, however you put that to words? Yes, I think its appropriate, especially in a formal setting, but is it required? No, because I can’t find that anywhere in Scripture.
Again, if you interpret John 14 as a command to always pray in Jesus’ name, then you need to interpret Colossians 3:17 the same way and add that to everything that you do.
I believe that you can pray and not say that tag “in Jesus’ name” and God will still hear your prayer.
Illustration: praying in a service vs driving down the road to a meeting, “Lord, I need your help with this.”
Illustration: something happens where God spares me from an accident or where God answers a prayer, I might simply say, “Thank you, Lord.”
Some misapply this verse, thinking that saying “in Jesus’ name” at the end of a prayer results in God’s always granting what is asked for. This is essentially treating the words “in Jesus’ name” as a magic formula. This is absolutely unbiblical. - https://www.gotquestions.org/pray-Jesus-name.html
Application: When you are praying in a formal setting or around unsaved people, praying in Jesus’ name is a good practice to maintain. But understand that God is more concerned that you communicate with Him from your heart than that you recite certain words or read scripted prayers. Approach Him in faith and approach Him in humility. Learn to enjoy the sweet, quiet, presence of God.
