Who do I pray to? God the Father, or Jesus?
Do we pray to God the Father through Christ, or do we pray to Jesus directly? Or, should we just pray to God and address Father/Spirit/Son at the same time?
Matthew 6:5 - 13
ESV - 5 And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
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Asked October 09 2014
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Anonymous
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pearl of the orient seas
Supporter
God the Father is being glorified by His Son, named 'Jesus Christ' (John 13:31-32) God made the world through His Son/The Word that He sent on earth that He be known (Col 1:15-17). God in His Spirit draws near to His Son all Christ faithful believers for salvation and to live w/ them for eternity. Jesus Christ is the only way to the heavenly kingdom (the only way, truth & life) in God's power (John 14:6). Jesus Christ is the only one who pleases God divinely & humanly... perfectly (Matt 3:16-17)! Don't you want to be guided by the Son of God who knew well the mind of the Supreme King of heaven? God the Father can be reached well by Jesus Christ through his sacrifice of forgiveness for the world. Just call God in Jesus Name as was promised to us, and believe on it! (I John 3:23).
Andy Mangus
Supporter
Scripture tells us specifically who, whom and how to pray. (Matthew 6:9-13)
tells us to pray "to the Father", in the name of Jesus. Jesus, when praying, addressed God as Father. Jesus was and is the one and only "begotten of the Father". "God is God, the Father, God, the Son and God, the Holy Spirit".
"When you pray, pray like this...."Our Father, who(whom) art in Heaven, Hollowed be thy name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven....{give God your requests that are on your heart; asking in reverence and with childlike faith and trust...} Then, Thank the Lord in your most heartfelt attitude. Do this with the most respectful state of mind and voice! My suggestion is to close with "in the name of Jesus, I pray, AMEN!"
Who do I pray to? Jesus set the example every time He prayed to His Father and our Father in Heaven, GOD, The FATHER. He is the Great "I AM".
~~Andy~~
Danny Hickman
Supporter
On Father's Day we try to let Dad know that we love him, that he means the world to us. On Mother's Day we do the same for Mom. Together they hold one office in our lives; they are our parents. One office, Mom and Dad, two people. When you want to be allowed to go out or do a sleepover, you ask your parents. Depending on what it is you need or want, you make a determination on which one you'd rather put the touch on. But it doesn't really matter, they are holders of one office; they are your parents. They're going to work your case together. That's the idea we're to understand when we're told that two people become one when they wed. It's the same thing Jesus meant when he said, 'The Father and I are one' (John 10:30). The difference is they were always one; they didn't meet and marry. In his prayer, Jesus said this: And now Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed (John 17:5). Jesus is from everlasting to everlasting, praise his name! Most of us can honestly say we love both of our parents, but sometimes we seem to connect with one better than we do the other. It isn't easy to explain, but it's usually true. It doesn't matter that you're a boy and that you can talk about things better with your dad. That isn't always true; it depends on your personalities more than your gender, sometimes. In a family we usually say, 'Whatever works!' Who do you think you know better, the Father who sent the Son, or the Son who came and shed his blood on the Cross? That isn't a trick question, I think a good study of the Word introduces us to the Father and the Son; then the Son tells us about the Holy Spirit who would be sent when he went back to the Father. Which person of the holy office are you more comfortable talking to? Jesus is not the Father, he's the Son. He is the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:29). We are children of God... heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ... (Romans 8:16,17). So it isn't like you're known by one of them but not the other two. I don't think it really matters to whom we address when we go before the throne of grace to acknowledge our dependence upon God. For by one Spirit we were baptized into one body - whether Jews or Greek, whether slaves or free - and have all been made to drink into one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). One Lord, one faith, one baptism (Ephesians 4:5). One Spirit... It's called 'the throne of grace.' (Hebrews 4:16). There's only one throne. The Son sits at the right hand of the Father and makes intercession for us (Romans 8:34). I don't think you can call on one and not be heard by the other. Let your request be made known to the throne. I could talk to both of my parents about most things I needed to speak to them about. I have the same kind of relationship with Father God and with the Son, Jesus. In prayer, I usually address them both, and thank the Holy Spirit for giving me the right words of praise. But that's just me...
Paul Bayne
Supporter
Always remember that when you are praying, it's not a formula. It's not a certain amount of steps done in a certain order and then God will hear you. If you are His, saved by the blood of Christ, then He will answer you no matter how you start or finish your prayers. As long as you pray in humility and respect to Someone who is sovereign and deserving of all worship and glory. Also remember, that the answer you'll receive might not be the answer you're expecting. He always answers, but sometimes it's no or not yet. But praying only is a form of communication between you and God (whether that might be Jesus or God Himself) and it should always be done in a humble, loving and reverend way, putting God in the spotlight, and you in your proper place. There's been times where I was pressed hard and cried out to Jesus in despair. Did He hear me or should I have gone through proper channels? I personally don't think it matters, as long as your attitude is right and your motives are in their right place.
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