On Sunday, John Mulligan gave us some answers to “5 Prayer Questions You Might Ask.” The first question was, should I pray to Jesus or to the Father? While Jesus taught us to pray to the Father, our...
On Sunday, John Mulligan gave us some answers to “5 Prayer Questions You Might Ask.” The first question was, should I pray to Jesus or to the Father? While Jesus taught us to pray to the Father, our *access* to God the Father is through Jesus. (Romans 8:34 - “Christ Jesus … is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”) Some people might find it easier to pray to Jesus, feeling that Jesus is more of a friend or a brother, but either choice is perfectly appropriate.
2. Should I “fast” along with prayer? There are several Biblical accounts of people fasting while they pray, the better to focus on God. Those who do fast claim it can clarify their thinking while pondering an important decision, but it’s certainly not required.
3. What about women “leading” prayer? The Bible gives us examples where women openly prayed in church assemblies. Acts 1:14 - “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus...” But ‘leading’ prayer is not the correct choice of words. Prayer can be offered or expressed, but it shouldn’t come from a place of authority. Women should have the opportunity to vocally pray in assemblies, just as men do. The next question then, is:
4. How should one offer public prayer? Praying out loud to God in public presents unique challenges and many people are uncomfortable with public speaking. It’s okay to make notes; you don’t need to speak extemporaneously. Just remember to represent the commitments and concerns of others with your prayer, not just your own needs.
5. Finally, why say “In Jesus name” or “Amen” at the end of a prayer? “In Jesus’ name” indicates that we are praying through Jesus. In John 14:13 Jesus says, “And I will do whatever you ask *in my name*, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
We talk to God so that He can do His work for us all. Amen is the equivalent of saying “so be it” or “let it be true!” As we’ve heard in previous lessons, prayer is powerful, effective and brings us peace -- we can all say Amen to that!
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