Monthly Question Page
Q. When we pray, who are we to address? Is it always God the Father?
A. “And in that day ye shall ask Me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you” (John 16:23). This verse teaches that we usually address the Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. When the Lord was on earth the disciples could come directly to Him and make request, but after His ascension they would have the privilege of going directly to the Father.
However there are times when it is appropriate to address the Lord in prayers as well. For example, He is “the head of the body” (Colossians 1:18). As such we look to Him as members of His body, for guidance and direction, and those things that affect the body of Christ (His people here on earth) as a whole.
Another time we address the Lord directly is in connection with His being Lord of the Harvest. “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:38).
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