Why does one pray in the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit? What does this indicate or mean?Most people are going to argue about the oneness or triune nature of God. But that is not the point at all here. Saying “in the name of ______” is saying “by the authority of _______”. In earlier times, a policeman might say “halt in the name of the law!” Or in the days of colonialism, explorers would say “I claim this in in the name of King George!”
It’s simply making a claim of authority.
An example is that the Pharisees and Scribes challenged Jesus to explain by what authority He did His ministry and miracles. In Jesus’ case, He had repeatedly said that His father had given Him instructions, calling, guidance and authority, on a frequent basis. So, their question was an effort of entrapment, not a genuine question of interest. It should have been plain to them, so Jesus challenged them to explain what was the authority for John’s baptism, whether men or God. They refused to answer Him, so Jesus refused to answer them.
Saying that you’re praying in the name of Jesus, or in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is not a magical incantation. It’s entirely meaningless unless you actually HAVE the authority of God. In my experience, many (if not most) people who pray that way, and thereby claim that authority, do not know what they are saying. Jesus made it clear what gives people that authority, in the Gospel of John, chapters 15–17. You either have it, or you don’t.
In the book of Acts (Acts 19:13-16), it shows us seven guys who tried to leverage the authority of Jesus when they did not actually have it. The outcome was a tough lesson for them to learn that Jesus is not a mere incantation or formula, but that there is true authority in truly knowing Him.
God bless – we hope you find that true knowledge of the Savior.
