“Prayer” by Kenneth E. Hagin
Praying in Jesus’ Name Parts 1 and 2
Jesus is our Mediator, Intercessor, Advocate, and our Lord. He stands between us and the Father.
No place in the Bible is it recorded that Jesus told His disciples to pray to Him. They were always to pray to the Father in Jesus’ Name.
If we wish to be sure of reaching the throne of God with our prayers, we must come to God according to the rules laid down in His Word.
John 16:23-24 (KJV) 23 And in that day (after I have gone to be with the Father) ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily (listen carefully!), I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto (up to this time) have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy (glory) may be full.
Jesus said this just before He died and rose again to sit at the right hand of the Father on our behalf.
Hebrews 1:3 (KJV) 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
John 17:11-26 (KJV) 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
Jesus prayed for us! Do you believe Jesus prayed any dud prayers? If you do we might as well rip John 3:16 out of our Bibles and throw it in the trash! I challenge you, to look back on the whole chapter of John 17 and study/meditate on His prayer for us. . . Piece by piece, phrase by phrase, settle it down into your heart. Then, as we continue to study the authority we have been given in Jesus’ Name to pray to the Father, and know that He prayed that we would be sanctified through the truth, that we would be God’s Glory and have such abundant joy that through us the world may believe that the Father has sent the Son.
Jesus is my Savior, the Bible says that I am joint heir with Christ, God is my Father. Jesus prayed to and prays to the Father on our behalf. He (Jesus) said, “whatsoever you ask the Father in My Name, He will give it to you.”
Ephesians 3:14-15 (KJV) 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Ephesians 3:14-15 (NLT2) 14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.
Is your joy full?
John 16:24 “Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”
We make a mistake by accepting sickness and adverse circumstances in our lives.
John 10:10 (KJV) 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
There is a joy that comes when you get answers to prayer. But if you’re not getting answers to prayer, if you’re not getting results, then there can be a look of perplexity and trouble on your countenance. There is an air of doubt, perplexity, fear, and confusion about you. You have the attitude, “I’m uncertain; I don’t know.”
But you can know God hears you when you pray according to His Word. And your joy can be full even before you see the answer because you are resting on the integrity of God’s Word.
There is no joy in all the world like seeing God moving in your family and in your home, answering your prayers. In John 16:23 Jesus is talking about individual prayer, not corporate prayer.
What concerns for your family, your friends, your loved ones, do you have right now? Write it out. What does the Scripture say? Write out and verbally say a prayer according to the instructions given in the Scripture. Thank God for answer, the promise that He made to us in the Scripture. Have joy before the answer comes.
1 Peter 5:6-10 (KJV) 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
Worry Blocks God’s Answer to Your Prayers
We know that whatever we ask of the Father according to the Word, He will give it to us—that our joy may be full (John 16:23,24)!
You have to be just as joyous before the answer as you are once the answer materializes. You’ll block or hinder God from helping you if you’re worrying and trying to figure out how the answer is going to come. If you are trying to figure things out, then you have the care or burden of the problem, and that means God doesn’t have it. You’re still carrying the load and God can’t help you.
When you pray in faith, according to God’s Word, you are full of joy and rejoicing even before the answer materializes because you know God heard you. You have His Word for it.
1 John 5:13-15 (KJV) 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
Follow Biblical Teaching on Prayer
Ephesians 5:20 (KJV) 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Center of page 18, left column
In Jesus’ Name—Not ‘For Jesus’ Sake’
Acts 3:12 (KJV) 12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
Jesus’ Name IS the Key
Jesus gave us the key to all the authority we would ever need—and it’s in His Name.
Meditation on the Word Brings Light
You get the revelation of the Word in your heart by meditating on it. The Holy Spirit will teach us/reveal to us the Word as we meditate upon it. But first we must read it, and/or hear it.
The Authority in the Name of Jesus To Bind the Work of the Devil
In the first place we need to understand that the devil is the author of all that’s evil and wrong, for he is the god of this world.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV) 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
In the New Testament, Satan is depicted as being the god of this world (this verse), the prince of this world (John 12:31, 14:30, and 16:11), the prince of the devils (Matthew 12:24), the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2), and that old serpent, called the Devil (Revelation 12:9).
His activities include blinding the minds of them who believe not (this verse), deception and craftiness (Genesis 3:1 and 2 Corinthians 11:3), disguising himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), tempting mankind (Matthew 4:3 and 6:13), condemnation (1 Timothy 3:6), bringing people into reproach and a snare (1 Timothy 3:7 and 2 Timothy 2:26), lying and all untruth (John 8:44 and Acts 5:3), and snatching away God’s Word from people’s hearts (Matthew 13:19, Mark 4:15, and Luke 8:12).
He binds humans with physical infirmities (Luke 13:11 and 16), hinders the work of God (1 Thessalonians 2:18), buffets God’s messengers (2 Corinthians 12:7), displays wrath (Revelation 12:12), accuses the brethren (Revelation 12:10), possesses those who yield to him (Luke 22:3 and John 13:27), controls the world’s system in wickedness (1 John 5:19), controls the false religious system (Revelation 2:9 and 3:9), promotes the false worship of demons (Deuteronomy 32:17 and Matthew 4:8-9), and wrestles against the people of God (Ephesians 6:12).
The believers’ commission is to resist the devil and see him flee (James 4:7), yield not their members as servants to unrighteousness (Romans 6:13), take authority over all power of the Enemy (Matthew 10:1 and Luke 10:19), bring demons under their subjection (Luke 10:17), cast demons out (Matthew 10:8 and Mark 16:17), overcome the evil one (1 John 2:13-14), overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21), not give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:27), and stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11). And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under their feet (Romans 16:20).
Note 6 at 2 Corinthians 4:4: We now see that the source of blindness over the minds of mankind (see note 4 at 2 Corinthians 4:3) is the god of this world (see note 5 at this verse). There is a fierce spiritual battle going on behind the physical scenes to stop the light of the Gospel from shining in people’s hearts (Ephesians 6:12). This is why it is so hard to penetrate some people with the Gospel.
This might lead some to think that those who have their minds blinded can’t be reached, but in the context of Paul’s statement, it is clear that God commands light to shine out of darkness into people’s hearts (2 Corinthians 4:6). The glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ can penetrate the worst darkness the devil can produce.
This is the reason Satan tries to hinder the preaching of the Gospel (Acts 13:8; Romans 1:13; 2 Timothy 3:8, and 4:14-15). If he can’t stop it, he will try to pervert it (Acts 15:1 and Galatians 1:6-9). He does this mainly through the false teaching of religious deception.
Therefore, it is imperative that we continue to preach the true Gospel.
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
No intelligent person in his right mind will go through life wheeling and dealing in sin and just purposely plunge off into eternity and go to hell. If he doesn’t want to accept Jesus, he is not in his right mind. He is spiritually blind. For example, the Bible said about the prodigal son, “when he came to himself” he returned home (Luke 15:17). So there was a time when the prodigal son wasn’t in his right mind. But when he came to himself, he decided to go back home.
Do you have any loved ones that are prodigals? Or, have been prodigals for a time frame?
“In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, you foul demon that binds ______________’s soul, I bind you in the Name of Jesus. I claim __________’s deliverance and salvation in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Now stand, rejoice, and doubt not!
Stay in the Arena of Faith!
If the devil can hold you in the thought arena, the arena of reasoning, he’ll whip you. But if you can hold him in the arena of faith then he’s defeated.
1 Timothy 6:12 (KJV) 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
1 Peter 5:8-9 (KJV) 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Another translation says, “Whom resist stedfast in your faith.” You are to resist the adversary in your faith. You have to believe in your own heart—with your own spirit—that what the Word says about Jesus is true and that what the Word says about the devil is true. You have authority over him in the Name of Jesus.
Many people try to solve their problems—with their minds. Then they get all confused. They’re worried practically to death, and they continually fret and are anxious. Jesus said, “. . . whosoever shall say . . . and shall not doubt in his heart . . .” Mark 11:23. This is the principle that is involved in believing God and receiving answers to prayer.
So pray to the Father in the Name of Jesus as you make petitions for yourself and for others. And in the power of the mighty Name of Jesus, bind the works of the enemy and set free those who have been held captive in spiritual darkness. Remember, the Name of Jesus is the key, and God has given that key to you!
“In Jesus’ Name” Part 2
Discovering Hindrances to Prayer
When we are praying and believing God, and we don’t get answers to our prayers, we need to find out what is hindering our prayers and correct the problem.
If someone else asks me to pray for his needs, then that means his will also comes into the picture. The Bible says we have to be able to agree together.
Matthew 18:19 (KJV) 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
That person’s will can override my will and block my faith for him. You see, we have authority over demons and evil spirits in our own lives, but we don’t have authority over human spirits. If we had authority over human spirits, then we could make everyone get saved.
Sometimes, God (the Holy Spirit) will give someone supernatural knowledge of what is standing between the prayer and the answer to the prayer. . .
God hears and answers prayers. You might as well settle that within yourself. The Word works. Too much of the time people just make a little stab in the dark at praying. They call it praying, and then they let it go. In other words, they just hope something will work out some way or somehow. But we need to firmly take our stand on God’s Word and let heaven, hell, and the earth know that God’s Word is true and that we believe it.
It Makes a Difference How We Pray
Jesus told us that we are to pray to the Father in His Name (John 16:23). If we say that this scripture isn’t important, we might as well say that other scriptures in the Bible aren’t important. But all of God’s Word is important. In fact, God’s Word says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:35).
I look back on my life, and I know that God has helped us man times when we didn’t know any better, but we ought to be able to grow in the areas of faith and prayer. Many times God condescends to meet us where we are spiritually, but it is better when we can grow up spiritually and meet God on His level, which is praying in faith according to His Word.
Growing Up Spiritually Includes Growing in Prayer
1 Peter 2:2 (NLT2) 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,
Ephesians 4:13 (NLT2) 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
The Bible says that Christians are born as newborn babes and then they are to grow up. Therefore, we ought to be able to improve on our praying. God will require more of the Body of Christ in these present days than He did even a few years ago. When light comes and teaching is given, God requires us to walk in the light of what we know. Then we become responsible for what we know.
The Right To Use Jesus’ Name
We found out that Jesus gave us the power of attorney, or the right to use His Name. We have a right to use that Name, not only in prayer but in every area of our lives. We need to witness to people in that Name. The Word of God teaches witnessing. But sometimes in dealing with one’s own family, it is most difficult. . .
1 Timothy 4:8 (KJV) 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
If something is profitable, it pays off. Godliness pays off. It is profitable unto all things, paying off in this life and in the life which is to come.
1 Timothy 4:15 (KJV) 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
It may be that the profit of being a Christian to our lives, as seen over time, by our loved ones, convinces them that Jesus is the way. . .
Dealing With the Devil In Jesus’ Name
Mark 16:17 (KJV) 17 And these signs shall follow them (all) that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Luke 10:19 (KJV) 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Evil spirits have to bow to the Name of Jesus, for it is the Name above every other name.
Philippians 2:9-10 (KJV) 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Demons have to go at the mention of that Name. It is the Name that does it.
Speaking With Tongues in Jesus’ Name
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them (all) that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Acts 2:38-39 (AMP) 38 And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise [of the Holy Spirit] is to and for you and your children, and to and for all that are far away, [even] to and for as many as the Lord our God invites and bids to come to Himself.
Acts 2:4 (KJV) 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
God has given us a supernatural means of communication with Him. We should be taking advantage of this precious gift of speaking with tongues. We can do it Jesus’ Name!
Mark 16:17-18 (AMP) 17 And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; 18 They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well.
Immunity from Poison in Jesus’ Name
Laying Hands on the Sick in Jesus’ Name
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Don’t Struggle for Faith—Use the Authority That is Yours in Jesus’ Name
Jesus didn’t say we could use His Name if we had enough faith because believers do have faith! You do believe in the Name of Jesus, don’t you? Then just use His Name. Jesus said believers would do those exploits listed in Mark 16:17, because of His Name—not if they had enough faith.
According to the laws of our government, you have a right to what legally belongs to you. You don’t question, Do I have enough faith to possess what is already mine? No, that thought would never enter your mind!
Acting on What Belongs to You
It’s only when one acts on what belongs to him that he gets results. You can mentally agree that the Bible is so, and you can mentally agree that the Name of Jesus is wonderful, but until you act on and use the Name of Jesus the way the Word of God says to do, you’ll not get the desired result or benefits of the authority in that Name.
When we act on the Word, it works. That is the reason James said, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22). If we are not praying for results and expecting results, then there is no need to pray.
Praying for Results
Christianity is a supernatural relationship with a supernatural God. If the supernatural is not wrought in our midst and if adverse circumstances aren’t changed by the poser of God through our prayers, it shows that we simply have the form of godliness without the power (2 Tim. 3:5). All the things that God has and which He has provided for us are offered to us through His Word and through our union with Him. And if we do not have the things in our lives He has freely offered, it may be that we have not made our prayer connection and that we have not appropriated God’s promises by faith.
Hebrews 7:22 (AMP) 22 In keeping with [the oath's greater strength and force], Jesus has become the Guarantee of a better (stronger) agreement [a more excellent and more advantageous covenant].
Hebrews 7:22 (KJV) 22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
From the book of Matthew through Revelation, Jesus is the surety of a better covenant. Jesus must keep His Word; He cannot go back on it. Yes, He hears and answers prayer!
Hebrews 13:8 (KJV) 8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Malachi 3:6 (KJV) 6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
We have access to the Father in the Name of Jesus just as the people of the New Testament 1st Century Church did! Our prayers to the Father in the Name of Jesus can be just as effective as those believers’ prayers were. So we should pray for results!
Our Lesson from Jan 14, 2019
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