John 15:16. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
Until Jesus returns, we will face hardships, temptations, and the schemes of the devil. But nothing in this world can ultimately harm us if Jesus—who has all authority in heaven and on earth—is with us to the very end of the age.
All we need to do is pray in His name and command in His name. When we truly understand this, we understand the gospel. And when we remain in Him, His authority and power within us will naturally be revealed.
Scripture teaches two kinds of prayer: presenting our requests as a child of God (Philippians 4:6), and commanding by the authority of Jesus Christ.
For example, Peter didn’t ask for healing when he met the crippled man at the temple gate (Acts 3:1–5). He boldly declared the name of Jesus: “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6).
Many believers don’t pray this kind of commanding prayer simply because they don’t know the power in His name or don’t know how to use the authority of Christ contained in His name. This is why they are defeated in spiritual battles against the enemy.
Sadly, there are also false prophets who misuse the name of Jesus to deceive (Matthew 24:4–5; Acts 19:13–16). They chase after selfish desires, glorify shameful things, and are enslaved by ambition and greed (Philippians 3:19). But their end is destruction.
On the other hand, many conservative Christian communities avoid commanding prayer—not necessarily because of disbelief, but often out of fear or spiritual misunderstanding. This, too, is part of the enemy’s strategy to silence the power of believers given from above.
To this end, we must reclaim and walk in our heavenly authority (Philippians 3:20). Do not be deceived or make peace with the devil—rebuke him in Jesus’ name. Resist him with Christ’s authority, and he will flee (James 4:7).
God has even given us the authority to mobilize His angel armies in the name of Jesus. Never let anyone steal that authority from you.
As we stand on the Word of God and pray in Jesus’ name, the devil is bound (Matthew 12:29), and angelic forces are activated (2 Kings 6:17). We must believe in this spiritual reality—and pass it on to the next generation.
Scripture assures us: “To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). And Jesus said: “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24).
When we pray with faith in Jesus’ name, our Father is glorified: “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it” (John 14:13–14).
Prayer unlocks a fruitful life: “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you” (John 15:16).
Before we pray, we must believe what happens when we pray. The Holy Spirit begins to work powerfully in us and through us (Acts 1:8; 1:14; 2:1–4), and the kingdom of Satan is pushed back (Matthew 12:25–28). Angels are dispatched to minister to us (Hebrews 1:14; Revelation 8:3–4).
God promises to answer and reveal great and unsearchable things (Jeremiah 33:3). But without faith, it’s impossible to please Him—we must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him earnestly (Hebrews 11:6).
Believing in God’s promises is key to powerful prayer. Abraham believed, and he received: “Since there was no one greater for him to swear by, God swore by himself… And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised” (Hebrews 6:13–14).
As you pray, seek God’s will: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1 John 5:14).
Discern His will through the Word, through through His Spirit, and your local church . But beware: selfish motives block answers to prayer (James 4:3).
Remember why Jesus gave us authority—to cast out demons (Mark 3:15), and to overcome all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). The world is under the devil’s control (1 John 5:19), and he is behind much of the chaos we see.
That’s why Jesus said: “How can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man?” (Matthew 12:29). When the saints take their stand in Christ’s authority, the devil is bound and defeated.
The world is filled with spiritual, emotional, and physical suffering. But Jesus gave us authority “to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness” (Matthew 10:1).
The name and authority of Jesus still break the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) and still bring the spiritually dead to life (Ephesians 2:1–5). By His name, the kingdom comes, God’s will is done, sins are forgiven, and protected from the evil one—even today (Matthew 6:10–12).
But take heed: “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18). God doesn’t condemn you—He loves you, knows your weakness, and has already laid your sin on His Son (Isaiah 53:6).
So don’t be afraid when God calls, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). He seeks you not to punish, but to restore you through Christ’s blood. Just confess—He is faithful to forgive and cleanse you (1 John 1:9).
Now is the time to restore the joy of your salvation. Reclaim the authority of Jesus. Rediscover the power of prayer. Prayers offered in the name of Jesus Christ can change anything and open any door. So go—use His name and authority to heal the world.
Prayer. Father, thank You for the name of Jesus that made me alive. Thank You for the authority that gives me power over Satan, sin, and hell. In the name and authority of Jesus, I will go now to heal this world, broken and burdened by darkness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.