Before dinner last night, we asked one of our teenagers to ask the blessing for our food. It was a pretty standard, straight to the point blessing, and as she closed, she rushed through the phrase, “In Jesus’s name, Amen” without a breath or pause. In listening to her lack of thought, I was convicted about my own response to the name of Jesus.
Jesus is the Son of God. His death on the cross gave me life. He took on all of my sins. He gave me the full measure of himself in the Holy Spirit. Through the power of his name, miracles happen and blessings abound. His name offends and delivers peace. It is only through the name of Jesus that we can approach the throne of God. There is power in the name of Jesus and it is his name that makes our prayers powerful. One day every knee will bow and tongue will confess that He is Lord. Oh the praise and glory that we should offer in the name of Jesus.
I have the huge responsibility of setting an example for my children. I am certain that my own rushed prayers set the model for the style of prayer that I heard at our table last night. I am so thankful for the wake up call that prayer gave me, and for the grace that covers my poor example. I am also so very thankful that God uses my children to teach me lessons all the time as He does the exhaustive work of sanctifying me.
All hail the power of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him Lord of all. Edward Perronet 1779“For He who is mighty has done great things for me,And holy is His name.” Luke 1:49 (NKJV)