Prayer Directly to the Father

Can We Pray to Jesus – or Must We Pray to the Father Only?

Some people (Jehovah's Witnesses for example) believe that we must pray only to the Heavenly Father and must not pray to Jesus or the Holy Spirit. Is this true? There are several matters we need to consider. Let's just take these considerations one at a time…

Hebrews 4:14-16 etc

When we come to the Father, Jesus the Son is our advocate and great High Priest. Jesus, in concert with the Holy Spirit, provides us access to the Father and to the throne of grace (Romans 8:26-27,34, 1John 2:1, Hebrews 4:14-16).

When we correctly understand the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, we realise something important. They need to hear our prayers to intercede and advocate for us. Therefore, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, are all listening and responding when we pray. None of them is excluded from hearing and participating in our prayers.

Whilst it is usual to address the Father in prayer, we know that we are praying not to the Father exclusively, but to Jesus and the Holy Spirit also. It is impossible to pray to the Father alone, for he is never alone. His Son and His Spirit are always one with him.

Ephesians 2:18, Jude 1:20

Paul says, “Through Christ we, both Jew and Gentile, have access to the Father in one Spirit” (Ephesians 2:18).

It is argued that we approach and engage with the Father through Christ and therefore we do not pray to Christ, but only through him. There’s a similar argument regarding the Holy Spirit.

We pray “in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 1:20). So (the argument goes) we do not pray to the Spirit but only in him.

However this argument about prepositions misses the point we made earlier, that we come to the Father through Jesus because he is our advocate and great High Priest. It is in that capacity that Jesus, with the Holy Spirit, provides us access to the Father and to the throne of grace (Romans 8:26-27,34, 1John 2:1, Hebrews 4:14-16).

If Jesus and the Holy Spirit were not there with the Father, neither could we be. It is their presence with the Father that allows us to be invited there.

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are God. We pray to God. To exclude the Son and Holy Spirit from our prayers is impossible. If you are comfortable starting your prayer with “Our Father…” by all means do so. But if you were to imagine that you speak to the Father alone, and exclude the presence of your Saviour Jesus and the Holy Spirit, you would be quite mistaken.

Matthew 6:9-13

When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he began his model prayer with “Our Father in heaven…” (Matthew 6:9). It is said that this model requires our prayers to be addressed to God our Father alone. However Jesus attributed other things to his Father, without excluding himself from those things.

When Jesus said to the Father, “Hallowed be your name”, that did not mean that only the Father’s name was to be hallowed. wise, when Jesus prayed to his Father, “Your kingdom come”, that did not mean that Jesus is excluded from the throne and kingship. Again, “Your will be done”, did not imply that the Son’s will is not also to be done.

In the same way, when he addressed his prayer to the Father, Jesus did not exclude himself from also being addressed in prayer.

Acts 7 to 9

Stephen, Saul, and Ananias experienced visions of Jesus. He spoke to them and they spoke to him. These were real conversations and took place after Jesus had ascended to heaven. They are recorded in Acts chapters 7-9.

Some say that because these examples of men speaking to Jesus were about miraculous visions, they don't count as examples of normal prayer. However all prayer is miraculous. You are talking to God. That isn't a thing that takes place by natural laws.

Furthermore, why should a miraculous event make it right to speak to the risen Lord Jesus, if that is wrong when there is no vision? You may not have a vision or hear Jesus speak to you, but if you speak to him, you do only as Stephen, Saul, and Ananias did. If speaking to Jesus is wrong in general, what made it right specially for Stephen, Saul, and Ananias?

John 16:1-28, cf John 14:14

Jesus told his disciples that in a little while they would not see him, then in a little while again they would see him, and then he would go to his Father. This puzzled them, and they wanted to ask him about it, but they were reticent. Jesus knew this so he answered their question without being asked (John 16:16-22).

Jesus said that when they saw him again they would rejoice. He also said, “In that day you will ask me nothing… in that day you will ask in my name but I do not say that I will pray the Father for you, for the Father himself loves you because you have loved me” (John 16:23,26-27).

Some have taken this to mean that after the ascension, the disciples would be banned from asking anything of Jesus himself —prayer would be exclusively to the Father although in the name of Jesus. This interpretation distorts Jesus’s words and intentions.

Lest the disciples should think there would be no need to pray, he told them that they could, and should, ask for anything they needed. As Jesus earlier said, “If you ask me anything in my name I will do it” (John 14:14).

Furthermore, they could ask the Father directly in Christ’s name. They didn't have to pray to Jesus and have him ask the Father on their behalf (John 16:26-27). That's what Jesus meant when he said, “I do not say that I shall pray the Father for you” (John 16:26).

Nothing Jesus said should be interpreted as a ban on praying to him. We just should understand that in the name of Christ we have full and direct access to God, even to the Father. We can ask anything that is right. “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).

That's not a long drawn out bureaucratic procedure. You immediately enter the throne room, the Most Holy Place, where God dwells on high. Your prayer is heard with not the slightest delay. That's the message of encouragement Jesus was giving his disciples and still gives those who become his disciples today.

Revelation 4-5

In Revelation chapters 4 and 5, John was given a vision of a Lamb who took a scroll from the right hand of the Majesty on the throne in heaven. Then those who had been worshipping the Majesty fell down before the Lamb and worshipped him as well. They sang prayer songs to him, and ascribed the same power and honour and glory to the Lamb as to the Majesty on the throne.

Each worshipper had a harp and golden bowls full of incense which, we are told, “are the prayers of the saints”.

This shows that the prayers of Christians can be brought to the Lamb who is Jesus Christ the Son of God, our Saviour and High Priest.

Hebrews 1:8-9

Hebrews 1:8-9 is quoted from Psalm 45:6-7. This is a prayer to Christ in ancient scripture. The Hebrew writer quotes it as the heavenly Father speaking to his Son. That is correct because the prayer is scripture and scripture is the word of God. Nevertheless the prayer, although inspired by God, was penned by a human being as a prayer to Christ.

Now imagine you repeated that prayer and said, “Your throne O God is forever and ever”. Would you add a disclaimer, “I say this not to Christ, but to the Father only”? The statement is true of both the Father and the Son, so why can you not say it to the Son as in fact the original author did?

If you can say that to Jesus the Son, why can't you say other things to him? Take for example the little prayer at the very end of the Bible, “Even so, come Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

If you repeated that prayer, who would you be speaking to? The Lord Jesus of course.

Would it not be strange if the Father, who shares his throne and divinity with Jesus, would not share the hearing of this litte prayer?

Continue Your Study…

Copyright on print

Источник: //www.simplybible.com/f15e-pprov-pray-to-jesus-or-only-to-father.htm

FATHERS DAY PRAYERS

This prayer was originally written by Pastor Ed at Salisbury Vineyard church and read out as a christian blessing over the dad's presentand as an acknowledgement of the important role of fatherhood in the lives of our children.

O God,We thank you for these menMen who have taken on the impossible task of following in Your footstepsWe thank you for their courage and strength And our prayer is that as they learn what it means to be a fatherThat You would Father them, and apprentice themWe pray that you would teach them how to be good fathersno matter how old or young their children are. Give them hearts your heartThat they may become known forCompassion, tenderness, and mercy.May they live lives full of love and grace.May they not be afraid to disciplineAnd may they lead their families with great wisdom and gentleness Anoint them to be warriors in Your kingdomTo wage war for their families in prayerTo be defenders and guardians of all that is true and goodMake them aware of the spiritual battle that You call them to engage in

Today, God our Father, we ask your blessing on all fathers

For new fathers, coming to terms with new responsibility;For those who are trying to balance the demands of work, marriage and children;For those who have to struggle to be a part of their child's life;For those who are unable to feed their children due to poverty;For those whose children have physical, mental or emotional disabilities;For those whose child has been placed for adoption;For those whose love and support has offered healing;For those that have adopted a child into their family;For those who have lost a child;For those who care for the children of others;For those whose children have left home. Bless all fathers, that they may be able to commit themselves selflesslyas mentor, protector and provider, shaping the directionof their child's character by giving love, care and guidance. Bless all fathers, that they may lead their children to know and do what is good,living not for themselves alone, but for God and for others.

Amen.

Blessings For Fathers

“Dear God, I give thanks for fathers.I recognize the dedication and patienceit takes to be a sourceof compassion andunderstanding when helping to shape a young life.

Bless all fathers,especially those who are newin this sacred role. I pray they feelYour presence with them.

May they know that Your strengthand wisdom are within them,providing all they needto guide and support

their children with kindness and love.”

Father's Day Prayer

Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice. Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a good father.

Let us praise those fathers who by their own account were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support. Let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children.

Let us praise those fathers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children's lives. Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has offered healing. Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their step children's love and respect.

Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children. And let us praise those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.

~ Kirk Loadman

Fathers

We honour you in your God given dutyMay you walk free from the lies of the worldThat say a father is not important For we say that you are importantYou are to be a light in darknessA living example of God Himself We bless you to be strong and courageousTo wear the full armour of GodTo resist the devil, and to standStand firm for your wives and childrenStand firm for the body of Christ We bless you to go out and do great deeds for the kingdom of GodTo become oaks of righteousnessTo rise to the fullness of ChristAnd to run hard the race that has been marked for you We claim this blessing for youThat you would be counted righteous in this lifeThat by the grace of God you would be blamelessAnd that in so doing your children would be blessed What you do in life echoes in eternity.O God bless these menAnd may their echoes be loud and full and pleasing in Your sight

throughout all ages.

As I recall, there was barely a dry eye in the house and all of the dads stood as this was read and they were blessed.  They were then presented with gifts of chocolate as a tangible thank you for the wonderful job that they do!

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,The majesty of a tree,The warmth of a summer sun,The calm of a quiet sea,The generous soul of nature,The comforting arm of night,The wisdom of the ages,The power of the eagle's flight,The joy of a morning in spring,The faith of a mustard seed,The patience of eternity,The depth of a family in need,Then God combined these qualities,When there was nothing more to add,He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so, He called it … Dad

More Fathers Day Prayers

God, bless all the fathers in the world.Guide them to be good role modelsand loving to all their childrenHelp them to be a father You areGive them grace and patienceto handle situations in a loving way.

Amen!

God, our FatherBless these men,that they may find strength as fathers.Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.Grant that we, their sons and daughters,may honor them alwayswith a spirit of profound respect.

Amen!

God our Father,in your wisdom and love you made all things.Bless these men,that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers.Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.Grant that we, their sons and daughters,may honor them alwayswith a spirit of profound respect.Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Christian Prayer for Fathers Day

Loving God,We thank you for the gift of good dads,and everything that they do for us.Help them to havepatience when we're difficult,wisdom when we can't see the way,strength when we need comforting,and love at all times,so that, though them,we get a little glimpse of how you feel about us,our heavenly Father

Amen.

Father, it is Your Commandment that we should honor our fathers;Hear the prayers we offer You for them.Grant them many years on earth and keep them in health of mind and body.Bless their word and all they do.Give them back a hundred-fold whatever they have done for us.

Inspire them with Your love and help them to fulfill Your holy law.One day, may we be their comfort and support,So that having enjoyed their affection on earthWe may have the joy of being with them forever in Your home in Heaven.Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

May God bless you and thanks for visiting father's day prayer & blessing.

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Fathers Day Resources, Other Great Sites for Fathers

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Visit Special Moments for great ideas for Father's Day 2019.

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father's day prayer & blessing

Источник: //poem4today.com/fathers-day-prayer-and-blessing.html

The Lord’s Prayer- Meaning and Lessons From The Our Father Prayer

Is the Lord’s Prayer one that is to be repeated or is this a lesson on how to pray?  What can we learn from Jesus’ showing the disciples how to pray?

Jesus Prays

In Luke 11 Jesus tells the disciples how to pray.  Don’t you want to know how to pray effectively to God?  Surely you do.  Jesus is teaching them how to pray and so here is how to pray to God as taught by Jesus.  The first thing we note in what is commonly called the Lord’s Prayer is how the disciples saw Jesus praying.  In Luke 11:1 is says,

Here are the disciples who must have seen how passionately Jesus prayed and how He was a man of prayer no other man ever born.  Jesus prayed so frequently that almost every time before or after something important was to occur, He prayed.

  He is our model in prayer for if the Son of God, Who is God Himself saw the great need to pray, how much more important is it for us?  One thing the disciples also said was to “teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.

”  This John they spoke about must have been John the Baptist who was obviously a man of prayer and apparently the disciples saw John praying and saw that he had taught his own disciples how to pray.

Jesus says “when you pray” not if you pray, so obviously all Christians must be praying people.  When we pray, we must pray “Father” because He is your Father to whom you obey.

  If you are not a child of God then you are children of the Devil (John 8:44-45).

  God will not answer the prayers of sinners (John 9:31) but only those who are His (1 John 5:14-15) so if you are born again (John 3:3) then He is your Father.  So pray to Him as Father.

Next, you are to honor or hallow His name for His name is Holy.  That’s what it means to hallow His name.  We should seek to honor, revere, and glorify His name above all things for He is most worthy.

Then we  should pray for God’s kingdom to come to the earth because that is God’s purpose fulfilled when the Kingdom of God is established here on earth and then God’s will, already being done in heaven, can be done on earth.  Can you imagine the angels not doing whatever God wills?  Impossible.  God’s will is always done in heaven.  We pray for His perfect will to also be done on earth and in particular, in us in our lives.

We have the great privilege to pray directly to God the Father because of our Great High Priest and Intercessor, in Jesus Christ’s name in whose name we should always pray because God listens to the prayers of the saints because of Jesus’ access to the throne room of heaven.

We are to ask for our daily bread in the sense of the Word of God being our daily bread for Jesus told Satan that “Man should not live by bread alone but by every word that precedes the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4).   This means that we should be in His Word daily, feeding on the Bread of Life.  Christian’s who only open their Bible in church are spiritually starving the rest of the week.

There is nothing wrong with praying for our daily needs but Jesus did not say to pray for tomorrow’s bread but only for today’s because He said “Give us each day our daily bread.”  Nothing is said about tomorrow’s bread.

   Just the manna that came down from heaven each day, any manna kept for the next day  became maggot infested so God will give us just enough for each and every day and we are commanded to not worry about tomorrow (Matt 6:34).

God is not going to answer our prayers if we have unconfessed sin or if we have something against someone.  We owed a debt we could not pay but He paid a debt He did not owe so that we might have access to God.  If you haven’t forgiven someone, then go to that person and first ask to be forgiven and then come back to God to pray for your own needs or the needs of others.

Jesus is not telling us to ask God to not lead us into temptation because God tempts no one (James 1:13).  The Greek word for temptation is actually “peirasmos” which literally means “a trial, proving, or testing.”  So Luke 11:4b is saying “And lead us not into tests or trials” so that we might not fall or fail the test.

  God does test us or allow us to be tested but “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.

God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor 10:13) so God is not tempting us at any time.

Some manuscripts have this ending to the Lord’s Prayer but not all of them do.  Even so, I believe it is biblical because we acknowledge that it is God’s kingdom and it is His power and it is for His glory which is forever and ever that we should pray for.

  When we take credit for things that God has done we rob God of His due glory and God is not happy when we do not give Him the glory and we take if for ourselves.

  If we do this, He will surely humble us because He is opposed to those that are prideful but He will give you grace if you humble yourself before Him (James 4:6).  God speaks through Isaiah the prophet when He says “I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other” (Isaiah 42:8).

Conclusion

You can glorify God by becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ, submitting to Him, repenting of your sins, confessing them to God, and then trusting in Jesus Christ.

  If you do, then you also can pray to your Father Who is in heaven but if He is not your Father, as I wrote earlier, you are of your father the Devil and you will do the things of the Devil (John 8:44-45) and your end will be his is someday (Rev 20:11-15).

  Seek His face today, fall down and bend the knee before Him, confess Him as Lord and you too will be a child of God (Rom 10:9-13).

Article by Jack Wellman

Jack Wellman is Pastor of the Mulvane Brethren church in Mulvane Kansas.

Jack is also the Senior Writer at What Christians Want To Know whose mission is to equip, encourage, and energize Christians and to address questions about the believer’s daily walk with God and the Bible. You can follow Jack on Google Plus or check out his book  Blind Chance or Intelligent Design available on Amazon

Источник: //www.patheos.com/blogs/christiancrier/2014/05/13/the-lords-prayer-meaning-and-lessons-from-the-our-father-prayer/