In Jesus' Name I Pray

So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 10:48 NIV

The early church did everything in the name of Jesus! So should we!

I did a search on my Bible software for the phrase "in the name of Jesus" or "in the name of the Lord." Throughout the book of Acts, in nearly every chapter, the people performed their work in this way. They did nothing apart from Jesus! Isn't that what Jesus commanded us to do?

A couple of years ago there was the ceremony on a local college campus. A pastor friend of mine was invited to give the "invocation." Shortly before the program began, the president of this college asked my friend not to pray "in the name of Jesus." My pastor friend refused to pray, saying he could pray in no other way.

I have become stunningly aware in recent years about the world's attempt to rid our society of the name of Jesus. I first noticed this when listening to young people in my church pray. Keep in mind, these are fine young, growing Christians, on fire for our Lord, and yet when I would hear them pray, their prayers were virtually absent of the name of Jesus. They would end their prayers "in your name" or "in your Heavenly name" or "in your son's name," or simply "amen."

I started to look around and listen. It seems to be an epidemic. Think about it. You are okay to pray in public, but mention the name of Jesus, even in a conversation, and the tension starts to mount. The name of Jesus is a divider. Being the sole source of our salvation, all peoples must make a choice to accept or reject the name of Jesus.

Let's make every effort to keep Jesus at the center of all we do. Let's boldly proclaim the name of Jesus. Let's pray in Jesus name! After all, His name is the name above all names! And, though, quite possibly Satan can attempt to lessen the use of Jesus name, we know that one day, perhaps very soon, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that who....that's right JESUS is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Use the name of Jesus often today! It scares away the evil ones, and it will make Jesus seem closer than ever in your life.