This month's article explores the meaning of prayer for Jesus Christ. How highly the Word of God honors prayer is seen in such calls to us: “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), “be ye therefore wise and watchful in prayer” (1 Peter 4:7 ), “[be] constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12), “be constant in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2), and so on.
However, despite all these references in the Word of God that emphasize the importance of prayer, it is sometimes neglected or considered a low priority activity. The purpose of this article is to use the example of Jesus Christ to show the importance of prayer even more clearly and at the same time indicate that it should be one of the highest priorities of our lives.
Gospel of Luke 5:15-16
As we begin this study of passages where we see Jesus Christ praying, let us turn to Luke 5. In this chapter, as in those that follow, it is important to pay special attention to the context, because it will give us the opportunity to see the conditions in which whom Jesus Christ prayed and receive valuable instructions. So, starting in verses 12-13, we read about a man being healed of leprosy. Considering this possibility, verse 15 tells us that although Jesus avoided “advertising” his miracles, “the rumor about Jesus spread more and more, and people came to Him in crowds to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases” (Gospel of Luke 5:15). From this passage we can conclude that Jesus Christ was very busy because of these crowds coming to him, and undoubtedly he was much busier than many of us. Given such conditions, how many of us would find time to pray? But let's see what Jesus did:
Gospel of Luke 5:16 “Jesus often went into solitary places and PRAYED.”
This verse seems to contradict the previous one, 15th. It describes a very busy day. But verse 16 tells us that even though Jesus was very busy, he went into secluded places and prayed. This is an extremely important statement, it shows the importance Jesus Christ attached to prayer. And it becomes even more important when from the text we understand that he did this not just once, but prayed often, repeatedly, consistently. Let's now read verses 15 and 16 together:
Gospel of Luke 5:15-16 “However, the rumor about Jesus spread more and more widely, and people came to Him in crowds to listen to Him and be healed of their diseases. Jesus often went into secluded places and prayed.”
So verses 15 and 16 are not describing something that happened just once in the life of Jesus Christ. They tell us that he was ALWAYS very busy, crowds came to him, BUT he ALWAYS found time to pray. In other words, prayer was the ROUTINE of Jesus Christ, which had the highest priority for him, even when he was very busy. This in turn proves the importance of prayer. This importance was so great that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, devoted his time to it even when he was busy with other divine matters. Moreover, this indicates that whether we pray or not is not a matter of time, but of priorities. Jesus Christ had time to pray because HE DECIDED to make time to do so. We all, one way or another, devote our time to various things. Therefore, the question is not whether we have time or not, because our day contains the same amount of time as Christ's day, that is, 24 hours. But we must ask ourselves, where does prayer fit into our schedule? Is it one of our highest priorities, as was the case with Jesus Christ, or is it something we do after we have finished with everything else: work, school, gardening, watching TV, sleeping, etc. ? The example of Jesus, as well as other pages of the Bible relevant to this topic, ask us to make prayer the HIGHEST PRIORITY OF OUR LIFE.
So, instead of allocating your time to other things, and then, if there is something left, devoting it to prayer, it is better to FIRST set a time for prayer, and only then plan other things.
Mark 1:35
Another extremely instructive example is given to us by Jesus Christ praying in Mark 1:35. It is very important to pay attention to the context. Thus, beginning in verse 21, we read that Jesus taught in the synagogue of Capernaum, where he cast out an unclean spirit (verses 23-27). As a result, “his fame quickly spread throughout all the surrounding areas in Galilee” (verse 28). Then he left the synagogue and went to the house of Simon and Andrew, where he healed Simon’s mother-in-law (verses 30-31). Eventually:
Gospel of Mark 1:32-34 “When evening came, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all those who were sick and demon-possessed. And the whole city gathered at the door. And He healed many who were suffering from various diseases; He cast out many demons, and did not allow the demons to say that they knew that He was the Christ.”
As in the previous passage, here we are given a description of another very busy day for Jesus. Moreover, since he intended to remain in Galilee for another day, and since his fame had spread throughout that entire region, it could be expected that the next day would be just as busy, if not even more so. And so it happened, as verses 36 and 37 tell us:
Gospel of Mark 1:36-37 “Simon and those who were with him followed Him and, having found Him, they said to Him: EVERYONE IS SEEKING YOU.”
Everyone was looking for him. This meant that the day that had just begun was going to be a very busy one. How many of us, having lived through a difficult day and knowing that the next one will be the same, would get up earlier to pray? And if someone did this, wouldn't that mean that he considers prayer extremely important, and wouldn't that mean that it is the highest priority in his life? Let's look at someone who has made prayer his highest priority. Who is this? Jesus Christ:
Gospel of Mark 1:35 “And in the morning, rising very early, he went out and went into a desert place, and there he PRAYED.”
Jesus knew he had a very busy day ahead of him and would not have time to pray. And how did he do it? He got up EARLY to pray. Isn't this a great way to start the day? Isn't this a wonderful start to your day, even the most stressful one? Instead of starting your day by thinking about the problems and difficulties ahead, you can start your day by discussing these problems and difficulties with your Father, and then, as the day goes on, you will joyfully see how His nourishing power answers your prayer and solves your prayer. all the problems of the day. But for that to happen, you have to have so much faith in what God's Word says about the importance of prayer and what God can do as a result that you decide to get up early in the morning to pray. Jesus did not get up early in the morning because it was a coincidence. On the contrary, I decided to do it. HE decided to get up so early because HE realized the primacy of prayer and its importance for his life. And, again, this is a matter of priorities, not time.
Matthew 14:23
Another moment when we see Jesus Christ praying is described in the fourteenth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. Again, it is important to know the context. This time the day was not only tense, but it also began very sadly for Jesus, because on this day he learned of the beheading of John the Baptist (for beheading, see verses 1-11):
Matthew 14:12 “And his disciples [John’s disciples] came and took his body and buried it; And they went and told Jesus.”
Before we move on, how would you feel if you knew that your brother, who always supported you and was loyal, was killed in such a terrible way? I think you would be in a lot of pain and would prefer to be alone for a while. This is what Jesus wanted:
Matthew 14:13 “And when Jesus heard it, he departed from there in a boat to a desert place alone.”
His removal to a deserted place was not something planned, because he did it by “HEARING.” Clearly, Jesus needed rest after the shocking news. But he didn't stay there forever. Some time later he returned from his retreat and saw a huge crowd waiting for him. When he saw her, Jesus “had compassion on them and healed their sick” (verse 14). He not only healed their sick, but also miraculously fed them (verses 15-21). Next, verse 22 tells us what happened after this feeding:
Matthew 14:22 “And immediately Jesus compelled his disciples to get into the boat and go before him to the other side, until he sent the people away.”
The word “immediately” is associated with feeding the crowd and means that immediately after the crowd was fed, Jesus forced his disciples to get into the boat. Notice the word “forced.” The corresponding word in Greek is the past tense verb anagkazo, which means “to force someone to do something even if they don’t want to.” So, according to the above passage, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat. Perhaps they didn't want it. But he didn't discuss it. He forced them to do so. Then he dismissed the crowd. The question you may have is why did he make his students leave? What did he plan to do after he dismissed the crowd? The answer is in verse 23:
Matthew 14:23 “And when He had sent the crowd away, He went up into a mountain to PRAY alone; and in the evening I remained there alone.”
The reason he did not allow the disciples to stay, but made them get into the boat and sail away, was because he wanted to be alone and PRAY. Look how important prayer was to Jesus Christ. In order to pray, he wanted to get up very early in the morning, get away from the crowd, make the disciples leave. Doesn't this show that prayer was a TOP priority in his life? Of course yes. Let us appreciate these lines and believe what the Word says about the importance of prayer—so that we make it a top priority in our lives as well.
You can't even worship angels
The Gospel of Matthew quotes the words of Jesus Christ who said:
St. Petersburg and other regions with the largest increase in crime in 2020
Planets with hidden oceans beneath their crust could be habitable
Scientists from the Urals and India have created an edible film from seaweed
Worship the Lord your God and serve Him alone.
And in the “Revelation” of John the Theologian it is said that even angels, who are the highest spiritual beings, cannot be worshiped:
I fell at the feet of the Angel to worship him; but he said to me: see that you do not do this; I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who have the testimony of Jesus; Worship God.
Luke 6:12-13
The next passage in which we see Jesus Christ praying is Luke 6. This time it is not about him taking time to pray, but about the subject of it. Although it is not directly called here, it can be easily calculated from the context:
Gospel of Luke 6:12-13 “In those days He went up into a mountain to pray, AND SPENT THE WHOLE NIGHT IN PRAYER TO GOD. When the day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he named apostles.”
He prayed ALL NIGHT. Although the Bible does not say what he prayed for, it does say that in the morning he made one of the most important decisions of his ministry: he chose the twelve. It is therefore most likely that one of the central subjects of his prayer that night was this choice. And now the question is: if Jesus needed to pray before making a choice and decision, do you think we don't need that? Why should WE make decisions using our weak minds and the information of our five senses, instead of turning to GOD and asking Him to show us what is the best choice? He knows the best choice, He wants to reveal it to us, and He has a way to do it - His spirit in us. So the question is not whether God is willing and able to help us, because He is willing and able. But the question is, do WE choose Him as our advisor and turn to Him in prayer?
The same can be said about our service to God. We should not be confused about how to serve God and what to do for Him. We don't need to torture our weak minds by making decisions about things that belong to HIM. Only He can tell us what to do and how to do it. Some of these things are mentioned in the Bible. So, Scripture tells you to love, pray, study to earn God's approval, and so on. You don't need God to personally tell you to pray; He has already told you that in His Word. In the same way, you don't need God to personally tell you to love: He has already told you so in His Word. However, you need His personal instructions when you are wondering whether to go here and there and do such and such for Him. In that case, before you make a decision, pray about it and see what God wants. Maybe He wants you to go somewhere else. Maybe He wants you to do something different. This is HIS business after all. Is not it?
The Virgin Mary passed on only human nature to her son
After carefully reading the Holy Scripture, you can find that it does not contain words such as Mother of God and Mother of God. There is only the Virgin Mary and the Mother of Jesus. Theologians explain this by saying that she did not convey to the Savior the Divine nature, but only the human nature. Jesus was always God, even before the moment he appeared on earth. Thus, the Virgin Mary gave birth to him not as God, but as a man.
In the Gospel of Luke, during one of Jesus’ sermons, a woman from the crowd turned to him and exclaimed:
Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts that nourished You!
To which she was given the answer:
Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.
Interpreters of the Holy Scriptures note that the Evangelist Luke, citing this episode with the exclamation of a woman who probably had not very good children, meant the following. This woman highly valued only the physical connection of the Mother of God with her son, Jesus. But he explained to her that mere physical approach to the Son of God is not enough to become blessed. This also requires spiritual closeness to the Savior - the desire to listen to the word of God proclaimed by him and keep it.
Matthew 26:36-44
Having said all that, let us turn to another example given in the well-known passage from Matthew 26:36-44. What we will read about happened shortly before the arrest of Jesus Christ, which ended with his crucifixion. Beginning in verse 36 we read:
Matthew 26:36-38 “Then Jesus comes with them [all the disciples except Judas] to a place called Gethsemane, and says to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray there.” And, taking Peter and both sons of Zebedee with him, he began to grieve and yearn. Then Jesus said to them: My soul is sorrowful unto death; abide here and watch with Me.”
The reason Jesus grieved and yearned was because he knew what would happen. This time was actually very difficult for him and at the same time decisive for each of us, because the plan of our salvation was based on his personal sacrifice and resurrection. But how did he decide to meet this turning point? The following verses give us the answer:
Gospel of Matthew 26:39-44 “And going a little further, he fell on his face, PRAYED, and said: My Father! if possible, let this cup pass from Me; BUT NOT AS I WANT, BUT AS YOU DO. And he comes to the disciples and finds them sleeping, and says to Peter: Could you not watch with Me for one hour? Watch and pray, lest you fall into temptation: the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Again, going away another time, he prayed, saying: My Father! If this cup cannot pass from Me, lest I drink it, THY WILL BE DONE. And when he came, he found them sleeping again, for their eyes were heavy. And leaving them, he went away again and prayed a third time, saying the same word.”
He asked the Father if there was another way for him to save people without going through this ordeal. He prayed about it. He prayed three times. It will be very instructive to pay attention to his attitude in prayer. As we can see, he expressed his desire to God (“let this cup pass from Me”), BUT at the same time he asked that God’s will be done (“YET not as I will, but as You will”). This is very important because often we think that if we ask God for something, He must do it, and exactly when WE want it. God is obligated to do what we ask only if it is something consistent with His will. There are special pages in the Bible that show us what is His will. One such example is healing. There are so many lines about this in the Word of God (although one would be enough to establish it as the will of God) that it becomes more than clear that healing is the will of God.
On the other hand, there are other things that are by nature unique to each individual and therefore cannot be promised in the Bible. For example, let's imagine that I want some kind of car. There is no promise in the Bible that will tell me whether this car is God's will. Therefore, is it correct to say that this car is mine? Obviously not, unless God somehow told me he would be mine. Would it be right to pray to God and tell Him about my desire? Yes Yes Yes!!! Is it right to ask Him to show me whether this car will be good for me? Yes Yes Yes!!! Should I believe His Word, which tells me that HIS WILL is “good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2), and that “He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7), and therefore, to submit your desires to His will, whatever it may be? Yes Yes Yes!!! This is what Jesus did. What he prayed for was not God's will and therefore could not happen. But notice: although he had a desire that “this cup should pass from him,” he had an EVEN GREATER DESIRE to do the will of God. He said: “However, not as I want, but as You want.” Isn't this instructive? Doesn't this tell us that, in addition to the various desires we may have and voice in our prayers, we should also have an EVEN GREATER DESIRE for God's "good, acceptable, and perfect" will to be done? Yes Yes Yes!!!
Returning to the example of Jesus Christ: although he prayed for something that could not be fulfilled, this does not mean that God did not honor his prayer. The Gospel of Luke provides a few more details:
Gospel of Luke 22:41-43 “And He Himself went away from them a stone's throw, and kneeled down and prayed, saying: Father! Oh, that You would deign to carry this cup past Me! however, not My will, but Yours be done. An angel appeared to Him from heaven and STRENGTHENED Him.”
The Lord sent an angel and strengthened Jesus to do what was his GREATEST desire: to do the will of God. Sometimes we may find that our personal desires do not align with God's “good, acceptable, and perfect” will. If our GREATEST desire is to do God's will, God will strengthen us to do it. In the case of Jesus Christ, the strengthening he received as a result of prayer is evident from the account of his arrest:
Gospel of John 18:3-11 “So Judas, having taken a company [of soldiers] and servants from the chief priests and Pharisees, comes there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus, knowing everything that would happen to Him, went out and said to them: Whom are you looking for? They answered him: Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus said to them: It is I. And Judas, His betrayer, stood with them. And when he said to them, “It is I,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them: Who are you looking for? They said: Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered: I told you that it is I; So, if you are looking for Me, leave them, let them go, so that the word spoken by Him may be fulfilled: Of those whom You gave Me, I have not destroyed any. Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it, and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. But Jesus said to Peter, Sheathe your sword; SHOULD I NOT DRINK THE CUP WHICH MY FATHER GAVE ME?”
The last verse shows that the crisis has passed. Even though Jesus wanted other things, his GREATEST desire was to do God's will. Therefore, he submitted his will to the will of God, as you and I must do. But to do this, he prayed and was strengthened. In addition, the strengthening is shown in the reaction to those who came to arrest him. Thus, although he came to the garden in deep sorrow and anguish, he reacted, judging by the above passage, very bravely. Because it actually takes a lot of courage to go out and meet those who you know will torment you later. A timid person would try to avoid this situation. He would remove responsibility from himself and shift it onto the shoulders of others. But Jesus was not afraid. Instead of hiding behind the others, he came out and asked who they were looking for. He did not only that - he also took care of the safety of his students. Moreover, he had enough love and peace of mind to heal the servant’s ear, which Peter had cut off (Gospel of Luke 22:51). If all this shows us a man who is not fully strengthened, then what? But how did he strengthen himself? How did he overcome the crisis? BY PRAYER.
Prayer
In our article we will look at that aspect of worshiping God called “prayer.”
Since sometimes, for some believers or those beginning to seek God, it is not always clear to whom we should pray. But as we see it, God has not left us guessing about how He wants to be worshiped. In His word He clearly revealed to whom we should pray!
While researching this issue, we saw that people tend to be divided into two categories: some pray only to God (call out to Him in prayer), others pray to many “personalities” (one of which is Jesus).
After analyzing the available data, we decided to share with you what God says regarding “prayer” - this article is about that. Our arguments will be based on the Word of God, not on personal preference or speculation.
Who do we pray to?
Who do we pray to?
Let us consider the following passages that may shed light on what God would have us do regarding “prayerful worship”:
16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give it to you. (John 15:16).
In this passage we see that Jesus himself tells his disciples to ask the Father in His name.
23 And on that day you will not ask Me anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. (John 16:23-24).
In this passage, Jesus again tells the disciples: “Ask the Father in My Name,” that is, pray like this!
24 Having heard it, they unanimously lifted up their voices to God and said: Sovereign God, who created the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them! 25 You, through the mouth of our father David, Your servant, said by the Holy Spirit: Why are the Gentiles troubled, and the nations plotting vain things? 26 The kings of the earth rose up, and the princes gathered themselves together against the Lord and against His Christ. 27 For truly in this city Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together against Your holy Son Jesus, whom You anointed, 28 to do that which Your hand and Your counsel had predestined to be. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to Your servants to speak Your word with all boldness, 30 as You stretch out Your hand to heal and to do signs and wonders in the name of Your Holy Son Jesus. (Acts 4:24-30).
Let's pay attention to the given passage from the book “The Acts of the Apostles”; here the prayer is also addressed to God the Father. And there is also an interesting point here regarding the fact that “Lord” is called the Father, and Jesus is His son, in whose name miracles are performed.
This passage makes two things very clear:
- the first is that the Lord in the Bible does not always personify Jesus, as some people think
- the second point is that Jesus has a different “role” than God the Father
5 So Peter was kept in prison, while the church diligently prayed to God for him. (Acts 12:5).
25 About midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God; the prisoners listened to them. (Acts 16:25).
In the above passages we see that in both cases, Christians and Apostles who have recently believed in Christ Jesus (the Son) continue to pray to God the Father.
1 Brothers! my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel's salvation. (Rom 10:1).
In this passage, Paul says that he continues to pray to God, but not to Jesus.
57 Thanks be to God, who has given us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! (1 Cor 15:57).
Here we read Paul giving thanks to God, specifically God, not Jesus. But at the same time, he does not forget Christ as the second “personality or hypostasis” of God.
16 I give thanks [to God] continually for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to the knowledge of Him, 18 and may enlighten the eyes of your heart, that you may know the things of is the hope of His calling, and what is the riches of His glorious inheritance for the saints, 19 and how immeasurable is the greatness of His power in us who believe, according to the working of His sovereign power, 20 which He wrought in Christ, raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 above all Principality, and Authority, and Power, and Dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the future, 22 and put all things in subjection under His feet, and set Him above all, to be the head of the Church, 23 which is the Body. His fullness fills everything in everything. (Eph 1:16-23).
14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and on earth is named. (Eph 3:14-15).
20 Giving thanks always for everything to God the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 5:20).
Again in the passages we have cited, we read about how the Apostle Paul prays to the Father, and also glorifies Him and puts him first, in contrast to Christ.
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God whenever I remember you, 4 always offering my prayer with joy in every prayer I make for you all. (Phil 1:2-4).
Again, a prayer to God the Father, in the passage we cited.
3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We thank the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, always praying for you. (Col 1:3).
11 being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, with all patience and forbearance with joy, 12 giving thanks to God the Father, who has called us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light, 13 who has delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son. (Col 1:11-13).
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Col 3:17).
Again in these passages we read about prayer, gratitude and praise to God the Father through Jesus, and not vice versa, only Christ the Son.
2 We always thank God for you all, remembering you in our prayers, 3 always remembering your work of faith and labor of love and patience of trust in our Lord Jesus Christ before our God and Father. (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3).
9 What gratitude can we give to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice in you before our God, 10 praying with all earnestness night and day that we may see your face and complete what is lacking in your faith? (1 Thessalonians 3:9-10).
3 It is always right that we should give thanks to God for you, brothers, because your faith increases, and the love of each one of you increases among you all. 11 For this reason we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of the calling and accomplish every good pleasure in goodness and work of faith with power. (2 Thessalonians 1:3; 11).
In the verses we have cited, we also see that the prayer of the Apostles and Evangelists is addressed to God the Father.
1 Therefore, first of all, I ask that prayers, petitions, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and for all those in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and purity, 3 for this is good and pleasing to God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to reach the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all. [This was] the testimony in its time. (1 Tim 2:1-6).
3 I thank God, whom I serve from my ancestors with a clear conscience, that I constantly remember you in my prayers day and night. (2 Tim 1:3).
In these verses we see again a prayer to God the Father, with the mention of our mediator the Son Jesus, for such is the testimony of God.
4 I thank my God, always remembering you in my prayers, 5 hearing about your love and faith which you have towards the Lord Jesus and towards all the saints, 6 so that the fellowship of your faith may be made effective by the knowledge of every good thing you have in Christ Jesus. (Phil 1:4-6).
Again the prayer to God the Father is mentioned.
1 James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes that are scattered abroad, rejoice. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:1; 5).
Notice that the first verse distinguishes between “God the Father” and “the Lord the Son.” And verse five certainly shows us who we should pray to for our needs.
21 Beloved! If our heart does not condemn us, then we have boldness toward God, 22 and whatever we ask, we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight. (1 John 3:21-22).
In this passage we can also see that we can and should ask and pray from God, and not from someone else.
It must be said that this, of course, is not all Scripture about prayer. But we tried to provide enough Bible verses to confirm the main message - we must pray to God the Father in the Name of Jesus the Son.
Who do we pray to?
Do we feel like we need to pray to someone else?
Sometimes people come up with things that may be misunderstood by others and thus mislead us as to what God wants in our worship of Him.
Sometimes we can hear that we need to pray not only to God the Father, but also to His Son, the Holy Spirit, or someone else. But this, in my opinion, is contrary to the Word of God.
I could not find any place in the Bible about prayer for example: to Jesus, the Holy Spirit or Mary. There is no example or instruction that I can pray to anyone other than the Father or that I can interpret my actions as approved by the New Testament.
If you can find such instructions on prayer, then share them with me in the comments of the article.
For me at the moment, it means that since I have not found another approved example for myself, I try to avoid interpretations through prayer and move away, since I believe that this will not bring any benefit.
One of the arguments that I came across is: the entry into force of the New Testament, where we can pray to the Son Jesus directly.
But is it?
Let's look at some examples in this regard that may allow us to do this.
We will rely not on our own arguments or conjectures, but on the Word of God.
There is an opinion that Jesus is God. And this is undeniable. This means that you can pray to Him directly bypassing God the Father, thereby placing Jesus above the Father. Or saying that Jesus is one “hypostasis” of the Triune God, accordingly when we pray to the Son, we pray to the Father, and vice versa.
But such arguments ignore several important rules:
- Each “person” of God has its own “functions” [1 Cor 15:20-23; Hebrews 1:1-2; John 14:16-17]
- Jesus is not higher than the Father [Hebrews 10:12]
- Since the creation of the World, prayer has always gone to the Father [Rom 1:1-2; Rom 10:1]
- Jesus Himself commanded to pray to the Father, giving a new commandment to pray in His name [John 16:23-27].
But there is an interesting argument for opponents in such a conversation: you can pray to Jesus - He commanded it.
Let's break this place down:
13 And whatever you ask of the Father in My name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14).
As we can see, these verses talk about Jesus himself doing everything, and also about asking Me in prayer.
These statements can be countered with the following arguments:
- Firstly , some translations interpret this passage differently, some translations have the word “I” meaning Jesus, but other translations do not.
- Secondly , we cannot say for sure why in only one place in the Bible does Jesus say to pray to Him and not to the Father? Perhaps this is precisely the peculiarity of the translation of the Bible.
- Thirdly , the interlinear or original language does not convey the idea that Jesus said what many see as a “prayer to Jesus.”
Let's look at several translations and the original language (interlinear):
13 And I will do for you whatever you ask of Me, and the Father will be glorified in the Son. 14 And if you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14; St. Petersburg No. 1).
13 And 'then whatever you ask in My name will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 I will do whatever you ask Me in My name. (John 14:13-14; St. Petersburg No. 2).
13 Therefore whatever you ask (in prayer) in My name, I will do it, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 And if you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14; St. Petersburg No. 3).
13 And whatever you ask in My name I will do, to glorify the Father in the Son. 14. If anyone asks in My name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14; Interlinear translation).
As we can see, the answer to the question: “is it possible to pray to Jesus?” The translations are not clear. But most importantly, this is the only place in the entire Bible where such a saying of Jesus is mentioned!
Next, let's look at the book of Acts of the Apostles, chapter 7, verses 55 to 60. It talks about Stephen, one of the seven deacons, who began to pray to Jesus Christ.
But what was his prayer, only that he found himself in front of the open Heavens, where God and Christ were looking at him. That is, he found himself in front of the throne of God and began to turn to the One whom he saw in front of him.
- Can we see Jesus and pray to Him in a similar way today?
- Are you and I in a similar situation?
Stephen's circumstances were unusual: he was being killed and he had a vision of Jesus!
55 But Stephen, being filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they shouted with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and with one accord rushed at him, 58 and, leading him out of the city, began to stone him. The witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of the young man named Saul, 59 and stoned Stephen, who was praying and saying: Lord Jesus! receive my spirit. 60 And he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice: Lord! Do not impute this sin to them. And having said this, he rested. (Acts 7:55-60).
Some people might point to 2 Corinthians 12:8 and say, “See, Paul prayed to the Son”!
8 Three times I prayed to the Lord to remove him from me. (Acts 12:8).
The following can be objected to:
- Paul was an unusual person; he was an Apostle to whom Christ Himself spoke directly.
- Paul performed miracles, was physically invulnerable, and could raise the dead.
Therefore, we cannot be surprised that Paul was in direct contact and fellowship with the Son and Father.
It must be emphasized once again that, as in the example with Stephen, so with the Apostle Paul, we see exceptional circumstances that have no direct relation to me or you.
Of course, you and I should follow the example of Paul and Stephen, but only in terms of their perseverance and desire to serve God. But our circumstances no longer allow us to repeat their conversation with Jesus. We are different people, we have different times.
There is also a possible fact to note in this passage. Who is the Lord? Is it Jesus or God the Father?
If we look, for example, at Acts 4:24-30, we can see that in the original language “Lord” means Father, the same word used in 2 Corinthians 12:8.
24 Having heard it, they unanimously lifted up their voices to God and said: Sovereign God, who created the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them! 25 You, through the mouth of our father David, Your servant, said by the Holy Spirit: Why are the Gentiles troubled, and the nations plotting vain things? 26 The kings of the earth rose up, and the princes gathered themselves together against the Lord and against His Christ. 27 For truly in this city Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together against Your holy Son Jesus, whom You anointed, 28 to do that which Your hand and Your counsel had predestined to be. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to Your servants to speak Your word with all boldness, 30 as You stretch out Your hand to heal and to do signs and wonders in the name of Your Holy Son Jesus. (Acts 4:24-30).
But of course, this is only one of the possible ways we can understand this passage [2 Cor 12:8]. But even if Paul asked the Lord Jesus, he was an Apostle who received revelations from God and Christ. Therefore, he was in a different situation than we are now with you.
Now let's look at the passage from 1 John 5:13-15:
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that if you believe in the Son of God you have eternal life. 14 And this is the boldness we have toward Him, that when we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And when we know that He listens to us in everything we ask, we also know that we receive what we ask from Him. (1 John 5:13-15).
What can we see here? The fact that John’s words are striking is that we have boldness, but to whom, to the Father or the Son? And what can we ask of Him, but whom, the Father or the Son?
If we look at the original language, we will not be able to understand who this “He” is: the Father or the Son. There is no mention of this, only the word “Himself” is written and repeated (846 according to Strong’s dictionary).
And we do not understand whether Jesus asks Jesus according to the will of Jesus or Jesus asks God for us (intercedes).
But I see this option for us - this may be in accordance with Jesus and the will of God the Father, which does not contradict common sense.
Therefore, in this passage [1 John 5:13-15] there is no reasoning that we can pray to Jesus while pushing aside God the Father; on the contrary, we can pray to God the Father in the Name of His Only Begotten Son, glorifying both in our prayer.
Let's look now at this passage from the Bible, which talks about calling on the name of the Lord:
2 to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints, with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both among them and among us. (1 Cor 1:2).
In the original, the word “calling” does not say “praying”, it means: “to call”, “to call”, “to call”, “to call”, “to call”.
Therefore, let's turn to another place in the Bible where a similar “call” is spoken of, and the same word is also mentioned in the original language.
11 For the Scripture says: Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame. 12 Here there is no difference between Jew and Greek, for there is one Lord of all, rich to all who call on Him. 13 For whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 14 But how can we call on [Him] in whom we have not believed? how to believe [in] [Him] of whom you have not heard? How to hear without a preacher? 15 And how can we preach if they are not sent? as it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good tidings of peace! 16 But not everyone obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says: Lord! who believed what they heard from us? 17 So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I ask: didn’t they hear? On the contrary, their voice went through all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. 19 Again I ask: Did not Israel know? But the first Moses says: I will arouse jealousy in you because of no people, I will provoke you to anger because of a foolish people. 20 But Isaiah says boldly: Those who did not seek Me found Me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask about Me. (Rom 10:11-20).
In the passage we cited, verse 13 is key. All other verses only complement the meaning of what was said.
The word "call" in verse 13 is the same as in verse 2 [1 Cor 1:2] according to Strong's Dictionary (1941).
In addition, the semantic context is clear to us, what it means to call on the name of the Lord, it means to pray to Jesus, or maybe God the Father, or it means to be saved, no more, no less!
There is a place in the book of the Revelation of John (Apocalypse) where it talks about the prayer of the saints to Jesus.
8 And when he took the book, then the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. (Rev 5:8).
Some may interpret this passage as a call to action, as a call to pray to the Son as they pray to the Father. But we can see two important points here:
- The first is the “vision” of man, which takes place in Heaven. But you and I do not live in heaven now and therefore cannot act as the “heavenly inhabitants” act.
- The second is that primacy is still given to the Father, and not to the Son, although They are One.
15 And the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the [kingdom] of our Lord and of His Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.” (Rev 11:15).
And let's give one last example of how some Christians interpret one passage from the Bible in favor of the fact that it is possible and even necessary to pray to Jesus.
10 And: in the beginning You, O Lord, founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands; 11 They will perish, but You remain; and they will all wear out like a robe, 12 and you will roll them up like a garment, and they will be changed; but You are the same, and Your years will not end. (Hebrews 1:10-12).
This passage quoted by the Evangelist is taken from Psalm 101:26-28. To understand such a passage, we need to understand the meaning of what was said, namely, apply logic and common sense, based, of course, on the Word of God.
When understanding any passage of Scripture, we need to answer a number of questions for ourselves, namely:
- Who is speaking?
- Why is he talking?
- When was this said?
After this, certain conclusions can be drawn, as in this case, for example, does this passage [Hebrews 1:10-12] show that we should pray to Jesus!?
In context, we see that this passage certainly refers to Jesus, but it does not tell us that we should pray to Him or pray to Him alone. This passage is quoted by many as the Apostle Paul and conveys the essence that everything visible was created by Jesus.
The passage from Psalm 101:26-28 is exactly the same and in context refers to the prayer of a suffering person who pours out his soul before God.
Why does Paul use this passage in his letter to the Hebrews? He brings it to prove once again to the Jews (for whom this letter was written):
- Who created the universe?
- Who is eternal?
- Through whom can we receive salvation?
It's no secret that when Jesus lived on earth, He said:
39 Search the Scriptures, for by them you think you have eternal life; and they testify of Me. (John 5:39).
He also said:
7 For three bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. (1 John 5:7).
From this we can draw conclusions, namely, when the psalmist said the prayer from Psalm 101, he prayed to God the Father, and not to the Son Jesus, because he could not then know that God is Triune, look at [1 John 5:7].
Further, Jesus says that all the Scriptures speak about Him, which means that the inspired psalmist “accidentally” predicted the coming of the Messiah, compare [Heb 1:1] and [John 5:39].
Paul only repeated this [Ps 101:26-28] to show his fellow tribesmen that God, the Creator of heaven and earth, has a Son, whom he has appointed as king and heir of all His “estate.” Through whom we, as Jews, can now receive eternal salvation.
But Paul did not even think of belittling God the Father, he only lifted the curtain for the Jewish people, showing the “persons” of God and what kind of relationship God the Father has with His Son Jesus.
1 God, who at times and in various ways spoke of old to the fathers by the prophets, 2 in these last days has spoken to us by the Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. 3 This being, being the radiance of glory and the image of His hypostasis, and upholding all things by the word of His power, having accomplished by Himself the cleansing of our sins, sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty on high, 4 being so much more excellent than the angels, inasmuch as he inherited a name more glorious than them. 5 For to which of the angels did [God] ever say: You are my Son, today I have begotten you? And again: I will be His Father, and He will be My Son? 6 Also, when he introduces the Firstborn into the universe, he says: And let all the Angels of God worship Him. 7 About the Angels it is said: You create flaming fire with Your angels and Your servants. 8 But about the Son: Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; The scepter of Your kingdom is the scepter of righteousness. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore, O God, Your God has anointed You with the oil of joy more than Your fellows. 13 To which of the angels did [God] say, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool? (Hebrews 1:1-13).
27 For he put all things under his feet. When it is said that all things were subjected to [Him], it is clear that except for Him Who put all things under Him. 28 When all things are put in subjection to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to Him who put all things in subjection to Him, so that God may be all in all. (1 Cor 15:27-28).
We can go on and on about the contradictory passages, but let's stop here.
Who do we pray to?
