(I received a question recently pertaining to prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. I share it herewith as it may prove helpful to another.)

Question: “I have a question that I’m hoping doesn’t sound silly to you. It’s been heavy on my mind every time I pray. I speak to God our father, and end my prayers giving Jesus praise, but I’m unsure if I should be praying to Jesus, thanking him, asking for his guidance? . . . We are taught to give all praise and glory to God, but also to Jesus as our saviour. I feel like I’m missing understanding things.”

Response: No question is silly because there aren’t enough life years to grasp everything in regard to the Word of God. The more fellowship with Him via quality time in His Word and prayer, the more recognizable His direct answers to you via the Holy Spirit. In the meantime, I’ll share the following:

1. In regard to addressing prayer requests – (a) I pray/ask God the Father, in Jesus’ name by saying, “Abba Father, in Jesus’ name, I pray (ask) . . .” and/or (b) In the Name of Jesus, I pray to (or ask) the Father by saying, “In the Name of Jesus, Father I pray for (or pray that) . . .”. In this way, I keep in-line with Scripture. The Living Word – the Lord Jesus said,

“my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive . . .” John 16:23b (NIV).

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” John 15:7 (NIV).

“. . . pray to your Father . . . for your Father knows what things you have need of, before you ask Him” Matthew 6:5 (KJ21).

When the Apostles prayed for courage it began with “O Sovereign Lord”; we may know this prayer is addressed to the Father because they referenced the conspiracy “against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed” Acts 4:24, 27 (NLT).

In asking wisdom and revelation for the brethren at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul stated that he keeps asking “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father . . .” Ephesians 1:17 (NIV). And in asking power for the same brethren, the Apostle Paul said, “For this reason I kneel before the Father . . .” Ephesians 3:14 (NIV).

2. In regard to praise and glory and thanksgiving – Primarily, I give all the honor and praise and glory to God the Father, with thanksgiving in Jesus’ name. The WORD reveals, in the beginning man (i.e., male, female) was fully clothed in God’s glory which was lost when the first man used free-will to act contrary to God’s direct advice (Genesis 1:27 & 2:16-17). Therefore, Romans 3:23 states that we all fall short of the glory of God. That same glory is being restored unto man by the redemptive work of Christ Jesus – the full grown man Whom GOD raised from the dead, seated at His own right hand, gave Him the Name above every name, and placed all things under His feet – is crowned with glory and honor (Ephesians 1:20-22 [AMP]; Psalm 8:6; Hebrews 2:7-8). Nevertheless, in reference to the manifestation of blessings, the Lord Jesus said,

“I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father” John 14:13 (NIV).

“This is to my Father’s glory . . .” John 15:8 (NIV).

“. . . let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:16 (NIV).

When the Angel of God brought the good news of the Messiah Jesus’ birth, a heavenly host (God’s Angels) appeared praising and saying, “Glory to God in the highest . . .” Luke 2:9-14

Apostle Paul spoke to the fact that our generosity or giving results in an overflow of thanksgiving and praise to God (2Co 9:12-13); and he ended more than one prayer with: “. . . to the honor and praise of God [that His glory may be both manifested and recognized]” Philippians 1:11 (AMP). And “to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus . . .” Eph 3:21 (NIV).

So too, the Apostle Peter said, “. . . that in all things God may be glorified through Christ Jesus” 1 Peter 4:11 (NKJV).

3. Specific to thanks – Again, I always thank Abba Father, in Jesus’ name. Though the reality of why the Lord Jesus agreed to come and walk in perfect obedience to the will of God who is Love, just because of love (1Jn 4:16; John 3:16), that all mankind might (free-will) be reconciled unto the Father, I’m often overwhelmed and say “thank You, Lord Jesus”. Also, comprehension that the present day ministry in the earth is of the Holy Spirit – that He is sealed with me until the Second Coming of Christ, reminding us of all things Jesus – I say “thank You, Holy Spirit for counseling & teaching me” (John 14:15-26; Ephesians 4:30). All of this is to the honor and praise and glory of God, with thanksgiving in Jesus’ name.

Take peace in knowing that The Omniscient One, Who was rendered our Abba Father by the blood of Jesus knows your heart, and fully adores you.