In Jesus Name

My Utmost For His Highest

‘In that day you will ask in My name . . . ,” that is, in My nature. Not “You will use My name as some magic word,” but—”You will be so intimate with Me that you will be one with Me.” “That day” is not a day in the next life, but a day meant for here and now. “. . . for the Father Himself loves you . . .”— the Father’s love is evidence that our union with Jesus is complete and absolute. Our Lord does not mean that our lives will be free from external difficulties and uncertainties, but that just as He knew the Father’s heart and mind, we too can be lifted by Him into heavenly places through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, so that He can reveal the teachings of God to us.’ CHAMBERS

Invoking the name of Jesus … Whatever you ask in my name …. How many times do you say “in Jesus name” when you pray?  Have you thought about why you do that?  Sure the Bible says we should and also says that whatever we ask in Jesus name, God will do. Have you found that to be true in your life?  If not, why not?

‘You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.’ (James 4:3)

It is something that we must watch  … that we don’t become complacent, even, ritualistic in our praying and living.  Jesus called them vain repetitions … we say the words but the heart is not behind them.

‘And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.’ (Matthew 6:7-8)

If your heart is not in it, it’s like telling one of your children to tell the other one they are sorry for what they did to the other. Mom -- “Tell her you are sorry …. Tell her … I mean it … tell her you are sorry!”  Child -- “OK, I’m sorry”, Mom -- “Ok now your two get along.” The words are there, but the heart is not.

When you pray, does it come to your mind that when you invoke the name of Jesus that the only reason we can even approach the Father is because of the Son?  That it is Jesus who has made and is making intercession for us?  That you are covered by the blood of the Lamb.  When we say those words (in Jesus name) … we should be reminded of why we can say them to any effect and what they mean .. what they mean in light of all creation and eternity.

I fear that most often we (American Christians) say them only because that is what you are supposed to say.  We pray at meals because we are supposed to, not because we are truly thankful .. our motivation is that we want to acknowledge that God is the Provider – Jehovah Jireh .. and the food, our clothes, the table we sit at, the building we live in … they are all by His provision …

And after the prayer … do we hear the words .. Do I have to eat that?  I don’t like it, I want to eat something else  … I think about that as I watch children in Haiti pick up fruit that has been lying on the ground and eat it - eagerly … We don’t want water .. we want soda … we don’t like milk … these children beg for a bottle of water … water that won’t make them sick … Our problem in America is not that we don’t have enough … but that we have too much … It is a struggle to be sincerely thankful for what we have when we have more than we need?

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)