Peter Barnes | John 16:23-28
SERMON NOTES
Praying in Jesus’ Name
Psalm 65; John 16:23-33
– in the US at the moment chaplains are being forbidden to pray in Jesus’ name.
1. Assured joy in prayer.
– 16:23-24; in the Old Testament Jews prayed to God via the temple (1 Kings 8:30; Dan.6:10); in the time of Jesus’ incarnation His followers spoke directly to Him (also Acts 7:59)
– now we are usually to pray to the Father in the name of the risen Son
2. Greater clarity regarding access to the Father in prayer.
– 16:25-27; the disciples often struggled (e.g. 10:1-6)
– Jesus is not denying Heb.7:25 or Rom.8:34; He is reassuring us that the Father’s love is behind the Son’s coming (John 3:16)
– John 1:18; Calvin: ‘we have the heart of the Heavenly Father as soon as we have placed before Him the name of his Son.’
3. Knowing Christ in prayer.
– 16:27-28; the true Christ came from heaven and returns to heaven (John 6:62; 17:4-5)
– Praying in Jesus’ name should make our praying more effective, certain, and joyful.