That includes Satan. The devil was soundly defeated by Christ on the cross. Jesus outranks him in every situation. He must obey Jesus, and he knows it.
Prayers offered in the name of Jesus have "divine power to demolish strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV). Demolish! Not damage or hamper but demolish. Prayer falls on strongholds like lit matches on a grass hut.
The devil fears prayer. Imagine this scene. He sat in the back of the room during a strategy session. A dozen demons had gathered to hear a report on the life of a particularly stalwart saint.
"He won't stumble," groused the imp responsible for his demise. "No matter what I do, he won't turn his back on God."
The council began to offer suggestions.
"Take his purity," one said.
"I tried," replied the fiend, "but he is too moral." "Take his health," urged another.
"I did, but he refused to grumble or complain." "Take his belongings."
"Are you kidding? I've stripped the man of every penny and possession. Yet he still rejoices."
For a few moments no one spoke. Finally, from the back of the room, came the low, measured voice of Satan himself. The entire council turned as the fallen angel rose to his feet. His pale face was all but hidden by the hood. A long cape covered his body. He raised his bony hand and made his point. "It's not enough to take his purity. It's not enough to take his health. It's not enough to take his belongings. You must take what matters most." "What is that?" asked the subordinate.
"You must take his prayer."
Prayer slaps handcuffs on Satan. Prayer takes problems out of the domain of the devil and into the presence of God. Prayer confesses, "God can handle IT. Since He can, I have hope!"
When we pray in the name of Jesus, we come to God on the basis of Jesus' accomplishment.
Since we have a great high priest [Jesus] over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. — Hebrews 10:21–22
As our high priest, Jesus offers our prayers to God. His prayers are always heard.
Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. — John 16:23
There are those who say, "Prayer changes things because it changes us." I agree but only in part. Prayer changes things because prayer appeals to the top power in the universe. Prayer is not a magical formula or a mystical chant. It is the yes to God's invitation to invoke His name.
Mark it down: IT won't have the last word. Jesus will.
God raised [Christ] from death and set Him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from His rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. — Ephesians 1:20–22 MSG
The phrase "In Jesus' name" is not an empty motto or talisman. It is a declaration of truth: My cancer is not in charge; Jesus is. The economy is not in charge; Jesus is. The grumpy neighbor doesn't run the world; Jesus, You do! You, Jesus, are the Head Coach, CEO, President, King, Supreme Ruler, Absolute Monarch, High and Holy Baron, Czar, Overlord, and Rajah of all history.
Just speak the word, Jesus...
Pray! Since God works, prayer works.
- Since God is good, prayer is good.
Since you matter to God, your prayers matter in Heaven. You're never without hope, because you're never without prayer. And on the occasions you can't find the words to say, pull these out of your pocket:
Father,
You are good.
I need help. Heal me and forgive me.
They need help.
Thank You.
In Jesus' name, amen.
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