In Jesus’ Name | Discipleship Prayer Day 33
Whatever you ask in my name…
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit-fruit that will last-and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” (John 15:16)
It’s not a magical formula — as if we can ask for anything our heart desires, add “in Jesus’ name” to the end, and then wait for our every dream to be fulfilled. No, praying in Jesus’ name does not mean simply tacking on those three words to the end of our prayers It’s much deeper and much greater than that.
Asking in Jesus’ name means to ask according to God’s plan and purpose as revealed to us in Jesus Christ. It is asking for what we need to accomplish the mission and purpose for which we have been created. At its most foundational level, this means growing in Christlikeness, being re-made into the image of God, or (as some theologians like to say it) becoming truly and fully human, as we were created to be. Beyond that, these Discipleship Prayer reflections have been homing in on what this growth in Christlikeness looks like, including-
- Being fertile soil for the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23)
- Loving God and love our neighbors, including our enemies (Mar 12:30–31; Mat 5:43–48);
- Being peacemakers (Mat 5:9), along with all the other attributes found in the Beatitudes (Mat 5:3–12);
- Acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8);
- Sharing the good news of new hope and new life in Christ with all people (1 Tim 2:3–4; 2 Pet 3:9; 2 Tim 2:4);
- Denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily to follow Christ (Luk 9:23);
- Seeking wisdom and understanding (Jam 1:5; Prov 16:16; Eph 5:15);
- Being joyful in prayer and giving thanks at all times (1 Thess 5:16–18);
- Trusting in the Lord (Prov 3:5–6);
- Being filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:17–20)
If and when we ask for such things — things that reflect the very nature of Christ, represented by his name — we are sure to be given what we need to be growing in Christlikeness as the image of God in us comes into greater focus.
We should also remember that “in Jesus’ name” (whether uttered out loud or spoken softly in our hearts) is not something reserved for prayer only. Instead, we think of every moment of our lives as lived out “in Jesus’ name” — a pleasing aroma, an offering to God.
“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
Every moment, every task, and every interaction
At all times, in all places, with all people…
Big things and little things…
Special events and mundane moments…
In Jesus’ name…for the glory of God…according to the purpose and plan of the One who has called us.
This is our offering as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
S.E. Fairbanks is the founder of Do Everything In Love Community, and author of Beautiful Grace: The Heart of Transformation (written under a pseudonym) and the Beauty of Small Things. He is a cross-cultural educator, ordained minister, and fan of the Portland Trailblazers who loves spending time writing, photography, singing, and spending time with his wife and three children.
