“For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” – Philippians 2:9-10 (AMP)

In Matthew 28:18, Jesus says that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him and Paul writes in reference and deeper exposition of this statement in Philippians 2. The name of Jesus is powerful and through this name, great things happen and mighty wonders are wrought. There are no impossibilities in this name.

One of the questions that has been asked over the years amongst many Christian folks is that, “is it until a prayer said ends with ‘in Jesus’ name I have prayed before it can be answered’ or what does it really mean to pray in the name of Jesus? Praying in the name of Jesus is not so much about ending every prayer with that tagline as it is about praying in submission to the authority of the Lordship of Christ.

In other words, dear Believer, you need to understand that what makes the name of Jesus powerful through you is your submission to the Lordship of Christ. This is not just about lip confession that is not heartfelt, it is about living the life and having the heart that lives in honour of the Christ daily.

Many people quote Philippians 2:9-10 when praying but quoting that passage of Scripture doesn’t make our prayers specially answered without having the heart posture that aligns with Christ for answered prayers. Do not be quick to quote Scriptures when your life does not align with the Person you quote His words.

Praying in the name of Jesus is praying by the authority of Jesus and living under that same authority daily without hypocrisy. So, the bigger question to ask is whether you live a life that resonates with the Person of Christ. One who doesn’t have His life cannot truly experience His power and His life is lived by understanding His Person.

Action Point: Today, examine how you’ve been living as a Christian, does it align with the character of Christ? If not, take the necessary steps towards change.

Confession: I have faith in the name and power of Jesus. I receive all that God has made ready for me.

Related Scripture: Philippians 2

Bible Reading: Leviticus 12