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Study 01 of 10

Asking in Christ's Name

Prayer in the name of Jesus is not a formula, but praying in His mind and Spirit, relying on Him.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Prescott begins his study of the Holy Spirit by clarifying what it means to ask in Christ's name. It is not merely mentioning His name, but praying in His mind and Spirit, relying on His grace and promises. This active faith makes Jesus the One who dwells in us and works through us. When we ask according to this understanding, we are guaranteed to receive the Holy Spirit. If we do not receive it, the hindrance is on our part, not God's. We must approach this study not as a theory to be learned, but as a practical experience to be lived. This requires a willingness to give everything to God, like removing right eyes or cutting off right hands, and an earnest desire to be filled with His power and love, rather than just having a passive religious life.

Key points

  • Asking in Christ's name means praying in His mind and Spirit.
  • Faith is the gift of God, and grace is the active agency that works in us when Christ dwells in our hearts.
  • When we ask with this understanding, we expect to receive what we ask.
  • If we haven't received the Spirit, the hindrance is within us and must be removed.

Key texts

  • Luke 11:5-13
  • John 14:14
  • John 15:16

From the book

Sermon 1 · The Holy Spirit · Read this chapter

  • “It is not theory we want so much as experience.” (sermon 1)
  • “To pray in the name of Jesus is something more than a mere mention of that name at the beginning and the ending of a prayer.” (sermon 1)
  • “We can truly ask in the name of Christ only when he dwells in us.” (sermon 1)

Put it into practice

  • Review my prayer life and see if I am praying in the mind and Spirit of Jesus.
  • Ask myself if there is any known sin that hinders the power of the Spirit in my life.
  • Be willing to give my entire life to God as I seek the baptism of His Spirit.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What is the true meaning of praying in the name of Christ?

  2. Doctrinal Clarity

    2. Why should we not take up the study of the Holy Spirit as a mere theory?

  3. Scripture

    3. What does it mean to ask in living faith?

  4. Comprehension

    4. What is the primary obstacle if we have asked for the Holy Spirit and not received it?

  5. Contrast

    5. What does it mean to remove right eyes or cut off right hands in this context?

  6. Doctrinal Clarity

    6. Why is the baptism of the Spirit so important for God's people right now?

  7. Scripture

    7. How is Christ's willingness to give the Spirit compared to human fathers?

  8. Application

    8. How will your prayer life change after today's study?