"CONCLUDING PRAYERS IN JESUS' NAME"

By Dr. Hoyt W. Allen, Jr.

Should the Christian pray to Jesus or conclude prayers with only an "Amen"?

The Scriptures state (John 16:23-26 - "In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in my name." (I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf.)

Please note that Jesus taught that a day would soon come when man would not be able to ask Him anything personally. He would soon be crucified and would be ascending to Heaven. However, He instructed that mankind was to pray to the Father in His (Jesus') name & not directly to Jesus.

Jesus taught in Matthew 6:9-13 (Model Prayer or Lord's Prayer) that it was not Him who was to be addressed in prayer, but the Father - "Our father in Heaven, hallowed (Holy) be your name..."

The word "Amen" is transliterated from both the Hebrew and Greek (Old Testament and New Testament). It is used in some different ways in the Scriptures. However, when it is used in prayers in Scriptures and with Saints today concluding prayers with an "Amen", it means "Let it be so!" or "So be it!" (Thus approving of what has just been spoken). Therefore, it is proper to conclude one's prayer "in Jesus' name, Amen."

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