In Jesus' Name

Matthew 6:7-13
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
 Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.’”

I went to dinner with my daughter, Sara, and her family one evening. My granddaughter, Ella Cate, offered the prayer for our food. Sara reminded her to address God at the beginning of the prayer, then end the prayer in Jesus’ name. As we ate, Sara and I talked about why she taught Ella Cate to do that.

We address God because He is the creator of all mankind and our Father. We end asking in Jesus’ name because He is the one who restored our relationship with God after Adam and Eve disobeyed.

God made me, He breathed life in me, and He is the one who hears every prayer of every person. The beautiful thing is—He wants to hear from us.

When Adam and Eve failed to listen to God in the garden, they broke our bond with God. But Jesus restored it. He connected us back to the Father through his sacrifice on the cross.

When I pray, I want to address God and seek Him. Then, I want to speak the prayer in Jesus’ name. The Holy Spirit is in this too. The Spirit speaks when I can’t. He carries my prayers to God.

As Jesus teaches in the Lord’s prayer—Speak to God in reverence, seek to be a part of His kingdom. Do the tasks and touch the lives He lays on your heart. Ask for provision and forgive others. Seek protection from the temptations in this world, and be covered with grace, so the devil stays away. All of this in Jesus’ name.