I hear a lot of people praying to "Father God", but the bible teaches us that Jesus is our intercessor, 1 Timothy 2:5 and Romans 8:34. So why do people pray to "Father God"? I am 65 years old and have been a Born Again Christian since i was 14. I first noticed this about 20 years ago and have often wondered how and why this came about. We should pray to Jesus, shouldn't we? I believe in the trinity. I am not Jesus only but the Bible does put him first until 1 Corinthians 15:28.
People naturally interpret this different ways. You can get a rough survey of widespread opinion by simply listening to prayers. People often use different terms interchangeably, like Dear... Lord, Jesus, Father, God, etc. I personally believe God looks at the heart and that people are not sinning by using the wrong proper noun.
It is my opinion that we are to pray to the Father in the name of Jesus. Jesus said no one comes to the father but through me. That doesn't automatically mean we switch and start worshiping and praying to Jesus only. Jesus is the pathway; he said he's the way to get to the Father. It doesn't say the Father is the way to get to Jesus, or that Jesus is the way to get to Jesus. So, I believe it implies that we are trying to follow Jesus to lead us to the Father. John 14:6. Jesus intercedes for us. Romans 8:34. It said to follow Jesus in His example, but no where in the Bible am I aware of it saying to worship and sing songs solely to Jesus.
Of course confusion is not surprising as it says Jesus and God the Father are one. Of course, they're separate to some extent, but united. We just don't know to what extent they are united or as 'one'. John 10:30.
John 7:16-18. Jesus was sent by God the Father. He was presenting information pre-approved by God the Father. There is a slight hierarchy in my opinion. So, I think to pray to Jesus and worship Jesus is not supported by scripture in my opinion. But if I hear someone praying to Jesus and praising Him I do not see that as offensive.
Sorry if my comment came across that it is a sin to pray to God instead of Jesus. If one prays 'in Jesus name' they are still in essence praying to God thru Jesus and Jesus is the only way to God. So pray in Jesus name or pray straight to Jesus, either way, just pray, and pray often. As for me, I pray "Dear Lord Jesus.........."
Jesus' desire for each of us is to have the same relationship with the God the Father as he has. We should have a relationship with Christ as well, but Christ wants us to know his Father, and to pray to his Father in his name.
In fact, that Jesus is our intercessor is evidenced in part by the fact that we are able to pray in his name, he wants us to his use name on our own behalf, and it is through that vouching that he intercedes for us. He himself prays for us to God his Father, and this is evidence that we should go straight to the Father as he taught us to in the Lord's prayer. Again, if we should pray to our intercessors, why not pray to your pastor and whoever else, as they also should intercede for you. But to pray for oneself, one should go to God.
Ron, I have often wondered the very same thing and I myself have done it wrong also but I am going to start praying to Jesus like the Bible says. Thanks and Amen.
I am still interested on the name of the faith that Bob is speaking of. Who are his brethren? Are they Amillenialist? More importantly to me, are they non- resistant loving lambs of Christ?
My guess is we can't. I've never seen anyone else do it on there. I was probably reported by you know who. I'll send something to you later. Just be your kind self and help those who really want help.
Being persecuted for the sake of our Lord is a huge blessing, right? So let's just do as we know to do and the Lord will come alongside.
Look at this list! 359 OT prophesies fulfilled by Jesus. Save it to 'my favorites' on your google desktop.
NewtestamentChristians dot com
I gotta go to officemart and get this one printed out.
It will be helpful as soon as I locate the new Bible I want to use. It's so hard because a lot of them are geared for beauty rather than for study. What version do you use?
My eyes are not too good either and I am in need of a larger print Bible. It is mostly for this reason that I have used this website a lot the past several years so that I can enlarge the words. Have you ever heard of the Gospel Publisher Bookstore in Moundridge, KS? Likely they have a lot of choices on Bibles and etc...
It is my opinion that we are to pray to the Father in the name of Jesus. Jesus said no one comes to the father but through me. That doesn't automatically mean we switch and start worshiping and praying to Jesus only. Jesus is the pathway; he said he's the way to get to the Father. It doesn't say the Father is the way to get to Jesus, or that Jesus is the way to get to Jesus. So, I believe it implies that we are trying to follow Jesus to lead us to the Father. John 14:6. Jesus intercedes for us. Romans 8:34. It said to follow Jesus in His example, but no where in the Bible am I aware of it saying to worship and sing songs solely to Jesus.
Of course confusion is not surprising as it says Jesus and God the Father are one. Of course, they're separate to some extent, but united. We just don't know to what extent they are united or as 'one'. John 10:30.
John 7:16-18. Jesus was sent by God the Father. He was presenting information pre-approved by God the Father. There is a slight hierarchy in my opinion. So, I think to pray to Jesus and worship Jesus is not supported by scripture in my opinion. But if I hear someone praying to Jesus and praising Him I do not see that as offensive.
God bless...
In fact, that Jesus is our intercessor is evidenced in part by the fact that we are able to pray in his name, he wants us to his use name on our own behalf, and it is through that vouching that he intercedes for us. He himself prays for us to God his Father, and this is evidence that we should go straight to the Father as he taught us to in the Lord's prayer. Again, if we should pray to our intercessors, why not pray to your pastor and whoever else, as they also should intercede for you. But to pray for oneself, one should go to God.
:)
Carleton
Being persecuted for the sake of our Lord is a huge blessing, right? So let's just do as we know to do and the Lord will come alongside.
God bless you!
Carleton
NewtestamentChristians dot com
I gotta go to officemart and get this one printed out.
It will be helpful as soon as I locate the new Bible I want to use. It's so hard because a lot of them are geared for beauty rather than for study. What version do you use?
I have to get large print :/ so I can see.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
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