Prayers offered in the name of Jesus have “divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV). Demolish! Not damage or hamper but demolish. Prayer falls on strongholds like lit matches on a grass hut.

Prayer slaps handcuffs on Satan. Prayer takes problems out of the domain of the devil and into the presence of God. Prayer confesses, “God can handle IT. Since He can, I have hope!”

When we pray in the name of Jesus, we come to God on the basis of Jesus’ accomplishment.

Since we have a great high priest [Jesus] over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. — Hebrews 10:21–22

The phrase “In Jesus’ name” is not an empty motto or talisman. It is a declaration of truth: My cancer is not in charge; Jesus is. The economy is not in charge; Jesus is. The grumpy neighbor doesn’t run the world; Jesus, You do! You, Jesus, are the Head Coach, CEO, President, King, Supreme Ruler, Absolute Monarch, High and Holy Baron, Czar, Overlord, and Rajah of all history.

Just speak the word, Jesus . . .

https://www.crosswalk.com/church/pastors-or-leadership/ask-roger/what-does-it-mean-to-pray-in-jesus-name.html

Praying in Jesus’ name means praying with His authority and asking God the Father to act upon our prayers because we come in the name of His Son, Jesus. Praying in Jesus’ name means praying in line with the will of God (1 John 5:14-15). 

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/how-and-why-do-i-pray-in-jesus-name.html

The concept of praying in Jesus’ name is definitely biblical. The key text is John 14:13-14: “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” This concept is repeated a few more times in the John 15:16 and John 16:23-24.

Praying in Jesus’ name is less about including the phrase at the end of your prayer, and more about positioning your heart properly when you pray. Praying in Jesus’ name means that you are conscious of two primary truths as you bring your requests to God:

• 1. Acknowledgment of His Intercession
  2. Submission to His Will

Simply saying, “In Jesus’ name, Amen,” does not necessarily mean you are bringing your request in submission to, and in alignment with, the will of God. Neither does it force Jesus to align his will to your request. And simply adding, “If it’s your will” to every request doesn’t necessarily mean we’re submitting either.

Praying according to God’s will is to pray in alignment with his character. It’s seeking to pray for things Christ would desire. It is praying in a way that views life from God’s perspective.

https://pastorrick.com/devotional/english/why-do-we-pray-in-jesus-name

Here’s the point: I don’t have any right to get answered prayers from God. I owe him a lot, but he doesn’t owe me anything. But when I come and ask God for requests, I don’t ask on my own merit. I come on the merit of Christ. I just say, “Father, I’m coming to you because your Son said so. I’m coming because of what Jesus Christ has already done for me on the cross. He’s promised that I can ask in his name, so that’s what I’m doing right now.”

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-name-that-opens-heaven

Praying in Jesus’s name is just one act among many in a whole life under the same banner: “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus”  Colossians 3:17 

Five Reasons We Pray in Jesus’s Name

• • As human, he sympathizes with our weaknesses.
  • As a sufferer, he knows human pain.
  • As our sacrifice, he paid all we owed.
  • As our forerunner, he opened heaven for us.
  • As our priest, he brings us to God.

https://billygraham.org/story/twelve-ways-to-humble-yourself/

1. 1. Routinely confess your sin to God (Luke 18:9-14).
   2. Acknowledge your sin to others (James 3:2, James 5:16).
   3. Take wrong patiently (1 Peter 3:8-17).
   4. Actively submit to authority…the good and the bad (1 Peter 2:18)
   5. Receive correction and feedback from others graciously (Proverbs 10:17, 12:1)
   6. Accept a lowly place (Proverbs 25:6,7).
   7. Purposely associate with people of lower state than you (Luke 7:36-39).
   8. Choose to serve others (Philippians 1:1, 2 Corinthians 4:5, Matthew 23:11
   9. Be quick to forgive (Matthew 18: 21-35).
   10. Cultivate a grateful heart (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
   11. Purpose to speak well of others (Ephesians 4:31-32)
   12. Treat pride as a condition that always necessitates embracing the cross (Luke 9:23).

https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-daily-prayer/a-prayer-to-grow-your-confidence-in-god-your-daily-prayer-august-25-2016.html

Make no mistake. Our prayers are powerful not because of anything we do or who we are. Remember, we’re just the fuse. It’s because of who He is and what He can do. Therefore, we can approach Him with an honest, upright, and believing heart. Then God is eager to respond, doing what only He can.

https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/46266715-moving-mountains-how-you-god-and-prayer-can-change-things-for-good

“We have staked it all on this—that life wins. Oh, dear friends—life wins. Life wins. Sometimes now, especially if we will pray. But life wins fully, and very soon. Just as we must fix our eyes on Jesus when we pray, we must also fix our hearts on this one undeniable truth: life will win. When you know that unending joy is about to be yours, you live with such an unshakable confidence it will almost be a swagger. You can pray boldly, without fear, knowing that, “If this doesn’t work now, it will work totally and completely very soon.” We can have that kingdom attitude of Daniel’s friends, who said, “God is able to deliver, and he will deliver. But if not . . .” we will not lose heart. Period.” ― John Eldredge, Moving Mountains: Praying with Passion, Confidence, and Authority

https://chapelhill.cc/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Confidence-in-Prayer.pdf

Because of our faith in Jesus, we have access to the very presence of God. As we confidently enter God’s presence, we can draw near to Him with full assurance and a clear conscience. We can pray with the confidence that God hears us and has an answer for us. However, we must remember that the key to praying with confidence is to ask according to His will. We find the will of God in the Word of God.

Chapter 2 Questions

•  Discuss what it means to “ pray in the name of Jesus”. Discuss any new insights from Chapter Two and the notes.

• How will knowing more about “ praying in Jesus’ name” change how you will pray.  Is it more than just an add-on at the end of a prayer now?

• Pg 30: What does “ humble yourself before God “ look like? 

• Look up these scripture and discuss with your group about having confidence when you come to prayer. Ephesians 3:12 , Romans 5:1-2 , Heb. 4:16 , I John 5:14.

• Pg 31:  “A believer in Christ has the awesome privilege of living for God’s name. “ How can your daily routine draw attention to Jesus? 

I Cor 10 :31  “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.“