Peter

November 6

Acts 4:23-31

The believers’ prayer

When the priests and elders realized that they couldn’t really punish Peter and John for healing a lame man, they warned them never to speak about Jesus again.

But Peter answered, “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

After being warned again, Peter and John were released and returned to the group of believers. When the believers heard about the chief priests’ threats, they joined together to pray to God.

“Creator of heaven, earth and sea,” they said. “Hear the threats that have been made against us. Let us speak Your message with boldness! Reach down and heal people, we ask, and may there be many wonders and miracles. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”

Why do we say “in Jesus’ name” when we pray?

When we pray in Jesus’ name, we pray to God the Father with the support and blessing of His Son. So when we use Jesus’ name to end a prayer, we must be sure that Jesus agrees with what we have prayed. We should, therefore, pray with a pure heart that listens to God’s Spirit. “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18).

When a king instructs a servant to take charge of something, the servant acts with the king’s power and authority. Although he is only a servant, his words are a direct instruction from the king and must be obeyed.

The name of Jesus is the most powerful name in the universe: it is greater than every other name (Philippians 2:9). By praying in the name of Jesus, we—His servants—pray with the power and authority of the King of kings.

Verse for today

… I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive… John 16:23-24