Daily Reflection
May 15, 2026

“I want a new car.” in the name of Jesus (John 16:23), or “Grant us victory in the big game.” in Jesus’ name. Is that what is meant? I would like to pretend I wholly understand prayer. I did do a little web research into the concept of “in the name of”. What did that mean? Can I use it any time I want for anything I want? I tend to write unanswered prayer off as my lack of faith. The circle of logic goes something like I can move mountains if I had enough faith, so I never can move mountains, so I don’t have the faith of a mustered seed. What is wrong with me? Why don’t I have faith?

Did Paul ask for courage? I’m guessing Paul prayed continually and with plenty of faith. The vision came as an answer to prayer. Maybe felt as much as vocalized? I wonder if Sosthenes prayed that morning or did he forget to ask not to be beaten? Seems to me the Jews weren’t happy with their synagogue official. Maybe Sosthenes did pray to further the mission of spreading the love of Jesus? He’s with Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:1 as they write a letter back to Corinth.

I understand “in the name of” to mean “for the sake of the mission”. Jesus seems eager to further the mission, so if I ask for something in His name, God is going to answer. The answer won’t always be what I think the mission needs or when I think the mission needs it, but God will answer for the sake of the mission. God has already given His Son for the sake of the mission, what else would he hold back?

I believe in the mission. I believe I am a part of the mission. If you’re reading this, we are on the mission together. That idea makes me a little happier. We aren’t alone, no matter how it feels at times. Let’s pray together, in the name of Jesus, that we can love others. And let’s do it together.