Pray in the Name of Jesus

We held the National Day of Prayer Service at the Greene Co. Courthouse today. Some said the attendance was less than last year. However, I thought the service went as well as it could. All of the prayers were said in the Name of Jesus, which is important to me.

I can never forget hearing my former Pastor Bill Barton (founder of the Homes of Grace) share how he would always listen attentively to the manner in which people closed their prayers at civic events. He said he always had the question in his mind, "Are they afraid to say the name of Jesus?" He mentioned being disappointed when committed Christians and active members of Baptist Churches would simply say "AMEN" and not pray in the name of Jesus.

Jim Futral, Executive Director-Treasurer of the Mississippi Baptist Convention, shared at the Mississippi Baptist Evangelism Conference this past January that has aked to pray at a "dedication" along with several other persons representing various religions. He agreed. Later, a person planning the event called and, reluctantly, asked him if he would mind not praying "in the name of Jesus." He graciously said, "It's probably best I not come." He told the crowd at the conference, "If I go, Jesus goes."

Don't be afraid to speak and pray in the name of Jesus.