Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Would Paul have prayed in Jesus' name?

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul says,

To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.

So if Paul had a Jewish family over for dinner, do you think he'd pray in Jesus' name?

Or, more close-to-home, if I have my Jewish family members over for dinner, should I be explicit in naming the name of Jesus when I pray? Or, out of respect for the fact that they do not worship Jesus, should I simply give thanks to God without mentioning Jesus?

4 comments:

  1. Larry,

    In the scenerio you outline, are you at that point praying to the same God? What does omitting Jesus' name consciously communicate to your family?

    Will

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  2. No, I don't think we are praying to the same God. But I am the one praying, and God knows and I know that I can only approach this God in prayer through Christ and His work on my behalf.

    I guess your second question is what compelled me to write the post in the first place:

    Perhaps I am communicating that I am respectful and sensitive to people who don't believe like me, and will not force my beliefs on others who don't share my views of God.

    On the other hand, perhaps I am showing that Christ is marginal in my life and priorities...though I would hope that the entirety of my life shows that is not the case.

    What do you think?

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  3. Larry,

    I think certain things about this, but I'm really not completely sure. I do think that our prayers should be to God and not primarily for those standing in the room around us. For example, how would you feel if every time I spoke to you, I tailored my words for someone standing off to the side who doesn't know you? It seems a bit artificial and a bit rude to me. This may be what we're doing to God if we make a conscious decision not to mention who he is.
    Also, if we really love our neighbor, I think we'd want to be as clear as possible about the only door to salvation. If it angers them, I guess it's a chance to share the Gospel. Jesus is a "stumbling block to Jews" but Scripture doesn't follow this by saying "therefore, don't offend them by mentioning him." In fact, it seems to be a given that you will be persecuted for this very reason.

    In situations where I've been sure that I can't pray in Jesus' name, and I wasn't prepared for the consequences, I've not prayed at all.

    Still, I don't think it's wrong to pray without using Jesus' name. There are examples in Scripture of praying to the Father. I guess it's the heart behind the prayer that would determine whether this is right.

    Will

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  4. Good problem. One shouldn't avoid the conflict over our allegiance to Jesus. However, prayer is perhaps not the right time to "insert" the issue. I would say that if the hearers already know your allegiance, perhaps a heartfelt prayer would more boldly challenge the hearers. One needs much grace in such ticklish situations.

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