How Can We Pray?

How Can We Pray?

Someone recently with all sincerity told me that prayer for them was confusing.  They said, “do I pray to Jesus, the Father, or the Holy Spirit?” Perhaps this has been a question you have wrestled with in your struggle with prayer.  Thankfully scripture is clear and simple as to how we are to pray.

In a very revealing and remarkable way Paul writes, “For through him [Christ] we both have access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). 

It’s short and simple, yet what is written speaks volumes as to how we are to pray. 

First, notice that we have “access to the Father.”  Our prayers should be directed to the Father just as Jesus taught us, “Our Father in heaven” (Matt.6:9). 

Second, our prayers are to be directed to the Father through the Son.  For it is through Christ and Christ alone that we can come “boldly into the throne room of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb.4:16).  He is the one who had made a way for us to have restored relationship with the Father.  I do not come to the Father based on my own righteousness which are as “filthy rags” (Is. 64:6).  This is the rightful understanding of praying in Jesus name.  I can say “in Jesus name” at the end of my prayer and not be praying in Jesus’ name at all.  It’s great to say, “in Jesus’ name” if I am saying it with understanding of the gospel.

Third, on the question of the Spirit’s relation to prayer, “access in one Spirit,” Paul writes that all Christians should be “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Eph. 6:18). The Spirit helps us to pray and listen in prayer (Rom. 8:26).

Rightfully understood prayer is to be directed to the Father, through the Son, in the Spirit.  Hope this helps you as you wrestle with the amazing adventure of prayer!