Thank you for this interesting article. My perspective is somewhat different. I summarize: 1) I have found no prayers in the NT that use this or any other/similar formula, such as "In Jesus' name," etc. 2) Does God only hear prayers that end with "In Jesus' name" or similar words? 3) When the Bible uses the word "name" to describe a person, usually, this refers to one's character or parental desire for his or her child. Many examples are found in the Scriptures, including the meaning of "Jesus" itself. 4) While I usually use the formula at the end of my prayers, frequently I simply end with "Amen" minus the formula. That's because I am confident that if I pray according to Christ's character, not asking for something He wouldn't pray for, or praying selfishly, I'll stick with what Scripture emphasizes. 5) Until I can be shown that even one prayer in the NT ends with the formula, I will simply follow the Biblical pattern...no formula required.
I agree with many of your points. Reminder: I'm specifically addressing public prayer where the prayer has the opportunity to name the one in whose name they are praying. You are certainly free to pray however your conscience guides you.
Yes, we have to be deeply reluctant about critiquing prayers. That point could be a whole post. But yes, public prayer needs to be held to a higher standard, especially when it is pastoral in nature.
I have privately thought this for several years. I attend a church that's average age 35. I'm 67. I noticed from the beginning that younger folks tended to use the "in your name" thing and.....it just has an "ick" factor to me. I'm not going to accuse anyone of heresy here but I wonder where this came from and why it's so prevalent. It's an otherwise, very biblical church. I'm scratching my head and keeping to the old ways.
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Thank you for this interesting article. My perspective is somewhat different. I summarize: 1) I have found no prayers in the NT that use this or any other/similar formula, such as "In Jesus' name," etc. 2) Does God only hear prayers that end with "In Jesus' name" or similar words? 3) When the Bible uses the word "name" to describe a person, usually, this refers to one's character or parental desire for his or her child. Many examples are found in the Scriptures, including the meaning of "Jesus" itself. 4) While I usually use the formula at the end of my prayers, frequently I simply end with "Amen" minus the formula. That's because I am confident that if I pray according to Christ's character, not asking for something He wouldn't pray for, or praying selfishly, I'll stick with what Scripture emphasizes. 5) Until I can be shown that even one prayer in the NT ends with the formula, I will simply follow the Biblical pattern...no formula required.
I agree with many of your points. Reminder: I'm specifically addressing public prayer where the prayer has the opportunity to name the one in whose name they are praying. You are certainly free to pray however your conscience guides you.
Yes, we have to be deeply reluctant about critiquing prayers. That point could be a whole post. But yes, public prayer needs to be held to a higher standard, especially when it is pastoral in nature.
I have privately thought this for several years. I attend a church that's average age 35. I'm 67. I noticed from the beginning that younger folks tended to use the "in your name" thing and.....it just has an "ick" factor to me. I'm not going to accuse anyone of heresy here but I wonder where this came from and why it's so prevalent. It's an otherwise, very biblical church. I'm scratching my head and keeping to the old ways.
Amen & Amen
In the Blessed name of Jesus Christ our Lord.🙏