I’m a member of the downtown Rotary Club. It’s the 3rd largest Rotary Club in the world among 32,000 clubs, and the oldest civic organization in Oklahoma. Like First Church, it has a rich history. We begin each meeting with an invocation, recitation of The Pledge of Allegiance, and the singing of The National Anthem. I serve on the Invocation Committee, so I’ve had the opportunity to pray a few times in the last year. Last week, some concerns were voiced through email about praying in Jesus’ name. We have some Muslim members in the club and some members felt they were possibly being mistreated by having to listen to a Christian prayer. Many opinions were offered, including one from a former Oklahoma Governor which suggested we should be more "generic" in our prayers, acknowledging a Higher Power, or remembering for a Christian who believes in The Trinity, we are not required to pray only in Jesus’ name. We can pray to God. All valid responses.

Other members voiced concern about catering to the “politically correct” crowd. After all, America was founded on the principle of freedom of religion. Each person should be able to pray as they choose in this free country acknowledging our greater diversity. I was pleased to hear our new Rotary President affirm the opportunity for all our members to pray as they feel so led with obvious concern for those of differing beliefs, but without having to compromise our own Christian belief.

When I was asked to pray before The OKC Thunder game in March; I was asked not to pray in Jesus’ Name for the same reasons as cited above. I talked to the Lord about it and believed I could pray a personal prayer and still honor him – even if I didn’t use the name “Jesus.” When I read The Lord’s Prayer, I note that it doesn’t end “In Jesus’ Name,” but the spirit is obviously there, since Jesus is the One who gave us this prayer model.

What does it really mean to pray in Jesus’ Name? Prayer warrior, William McBirnie, writes: “Our attitude, or motive, then, is the real issue in praying in the Name of Jesus. To arbitrarily end a prayer with a quick expression “In Jesus’ Name, Amen” is a far cry from truly praying in the Master’s Name. The latter involves a total trust and confidence in Jesus to perform exactly what He has promised in His Word.” To pray in Jesus’ Name is to pray in the spirit and reputation of Jesus Christ.

Why the controversy in praying in Jesus’ Name in public? Because there is power in the Name of Jesus! Remember what Philippians 2:10 affirms, “…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

How did I end my Thunder Game prayer? “To God be the Glory!” I think Jesus knew exactly what I meant, as did many other believers present at the game. And by the way, The Thunder won that night against all odds! Keep praying in the Name and Spirit of Jesus!

Yours in Christ,
Mark

P.S. What risk have you taken for Christ this week? It doesn’t have to be big to qualify! I asked my roofer if I could pray for him when he told me he had a family emergency. He seemed to really appreciate the offer. Take a risk and watch God work!! See you Sunday!