On the evening before His crucifixion, Jesus unloaded fantastic theological truths one after another on His disciples. The account of the evening is found in John 13-17. One such truth, revealed in several ways imbedded in this passage, is the fact that He is deity. One of the ways is found in John 14:13-14, “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” (NASU) While recognizing the textual issues in verse 14, it seems that the consensus of most New Testament scholars is that it stands as it is here in the NASU. While most of the Biblical examples and admonitions to pray illustrate praying to the Father, this passage indicates two very important considerations.
First, it indicates praying to Jesus. Second, you will note that this passage twice declares that Jesus will answer prayers. Only God can answer prayers. You will note of primary importance here that Jesus is claiming deity. None other can receive or answer prayer. Stephen provides an example in Acts 7:59-60, “They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” (NASU) It seems that Paul is indicating the same thing in 1 Corinthians 1:2, “With all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.” (NASU) Jesus accepted worship in John 9:38 and in a large section of Revelation 5. Surely praying to one who also accepts worship is an understood practice. Thus it seems completely acceptable to pray to Jesus.
The admonition to pray in the name of Jesus is so clear that no discussion of its merits is needed. However, in terms of application, a working definition of what that means is sorely needed. Certainly, “in Jesus’ name” is not a magic formula to be tagged onto the end of any prayer thus guaranteeing its success. The veil into the Holy of Holies has been torn. Hebrews 4:16 gives me permission to petition Him who sits on the throne with confidence. Precious, precious promises are found in those facts. However, “praying in Jesus’ name” surely means at the least that I make my requests not based on my own merit but on the merit of Him whose name I come in. Claiming His worth and repudiating any worth I might suppose that I have would be the proper way. Praying in the name of Jesus means that I am discarding my own name. I am rejecting my own wisdom, my own power, etc.
It also seems to me that “praying in Jesus’ name” means that I make my requests in such a way that an affirmative answer will honor, glorify, exalt, and benefit Him in whose name I come. The prayer of Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24:12 provides an illustration of this point, “He said, "O Lord, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham.” (NASU) I suggest that praying for things that will exalt Christ and further His kingdom is the most assured way of receiving an affirmative answer. That is also the best way of making certain that I am praying in the will of God. If I pray for things that honor and glorify Christ, I can be sure that my prayers are pleasing to the Father.