John 16:23 (NKJV), “…Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.”

When Jesus taught us how to pray, He said we were to address our prayers to the Father, in the Name of the Son. He assured us that when we pray in His Name, it is as if He is the one requesting whatever we ask for, and that the Father always hears and answers Him (Matthew 18:19-20; John 11:42). Why do we pray in Jesus' Name? In the Old Testament, priests were the mediators between God and man. They would offer a sacrifice in the temple, and then pray to God on their behalf. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is our high priest (Hebrew 9:15). He became the sacrifice to carry our sin and make us acceptable to the Father. So, when we approach our Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, we are able to draw near to Him and expect His mercy and grace for whatever we need. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Because of Jesus, we have the assurance that if we ask anything in His name, the Father will give it to us. Remember that Hebrews 3:1 tells us that Jesus is the High Priest of our confession - while we ask anything that is according to what His Word promises us - He will guarantee the Father will honour His Word concerning us. Be sure to make what you say, when you pray, align with what His Word says! What a privilege to belong to such a wonderful Saviour, and a loving Heavenly Father, Who has given us permission to use the Name that is above every other, to see all of heaven back our prayers!