The Bible teaches us that we should pray to God, the Father, using the name of Jesus. Let's examine some very descriptive Scripture.
And in that day (after the resurrection) ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.Notice how Jesus tells the disciples, and all Christians, that we shouldn't ask Him for things after His resurrection.
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.... At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
(John 16:23-24, 26-27 KJV)
We are to ask the Father in Jesus' name. If we're going to pray correctly and effectively, then we must follow the biblical way of prayer. It's interesting to note that we do not have any example in the New Testament Bible of a Christian praying to anyone but God, the Father.
Notice how Jesus taught the disciples to pray, and how the Apostle Paul prayed: "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matt. 6:9-10 KJV).
"We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you" (Col. 1:3 NKJ).
If you want your prayers answered, you should pray to God, the Father, using the name of Jesus (His good standing). It's also reassuring to know that God loves us and wants to meet our needs.
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