Frankly Answered Questions - FAQs

What does it mean to ask in Jesus' name?

Q: How do you deal with the Scripture that says: "Ask for whatever you desire in Jesus' name and I will give it to you?"

A: I believe that the phrase "in Jesus' name" is vastly misunderstood. It is more than just a phrase that we tack on to the end of our prayers.

"In Jesus' name" is ambassador language. It implies that (1) I have a relationship with Jesus; (2) I am acting as His representative on His behalf, and (3) that what I am asking for is truly Jesus' desire (1 John 5:14). If these things are true, then God will grant the request. That's a promise.

Many requests that we make to God in prayer are legitimate and fine requests -- and God grants many of them. But most of our requests do not meet the three criteria that I have just mentioned and therefore are not requests made "in Jesus' name."