Do We Really Pray in Jesus' Name?

Late one night I began to write a prayer for my son and especially prayed for his business. At the end of the prayer, I wrote, "I am satisfied if you are glorified"--something I often tell the Lord.

The idea came to me to sign Jesus' name to my prayer, and it seemed to be a very powerful, awesome thing to do. I realized I had really prayed in Jesus' name and that He was pleased to have His name below my request. 

The next morning the song "God Will Take Care of You" came to me. I knew it was the Lord's word to me concerning the prayer I had written with His name signed to it. 

Just then my son called. "Mom, did you hear the news?"

"You mean about the tornado in Alabama?"

"It wasn't just Alabama; it was here, too. It barely missed my office."

Jesus has an underlying motive for answering our prayers. It is to bring the Father glory. "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father" (John 14:13).

To ask in Jesus' name is to ask with the same longing that is in Jesus' heart. He longs to please the Father and to bring Him glory. Praying in Jesus' name is more than simply saying "In Jesus' name" before we say "Amen." It is to ask with the submissive spirit that longs for God's pleasure and glory more than our own. When His glory is our deepest desire, He hands us amazing authority.

Jesus, I ask You to search my motives when I pray. Please reveal any time I ask for something that would not bring glory to the Father. 

"You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:14).