prayer...?

[nHissvc]

Does the bible instruct us to pray exclusively to the Father, in the name of the Son?

[srussell]

I don't have a lot of time to go deeply into this. But I have heard people go as far as say that your prayers won't be answered if you pray to Jesus, or to the Holy Spirit.

I personally think that's a bunch of bunk. I admit that the example's of Jesus praying were always to the Father. However, that was when He was on earth, having limited Himself to dwell among us as a human.

And furthermore, when He revealed Himself to Thomas after the resurrection, Thomas said, "my Lord and My God," praying directly to Him even before Him ascended to heaven.

Jesus is as much God as the Father. There is no prohibition in the Bible that tells us not to pray to the Son. If we were not to pray to Him, but to pray only to the Father, the Bible would clearly say so.

Sam

[Laina]

I think exclusive is a key word here.

We are instructed to pray to the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, when Steven was stoned, he said, "Lord Jesus receive my spirit." He spoke directly to Jesus. Also Jesus said if we ask anything in His name, he would do it.

There is power in the name of Jesus and he is distinct from every other God. When we use His name we are acknowledging the God we serve. He always pointed the way to our heavenly Father. Jesus always said he did nothing on His own, but only what the Father told Him or showed Him. So as an example for us to follow, Jesus prayed to the Father always and did nothing without asking Him.

There is a hierarchial system within the trinity. The Holy Spirit says nothing of His own but only brings to mind those things Jesus taught us. So the Holy Spirit illuminates Jesus. Jesus said if you saw Him you were seeing the Father. Whatever Jesus did, pointed to our heavenly Father. So Jesus illuminates the Father. And yet all three are one.

I don't see an example in scripture of anyone praying to the Holy Spirit. But then he didn't bring attention to Himself. He empowers, He comforts, He leads and guides us in truth.

[kshsj777]

There are specific cases in the Bible when prayers were offered to both the Father and to the Son. However, I don't think that any were specifically addressed to the Holy Spirit.

However... there is only one God. So it doesn't matter. Praying to one is the same as praying to the other. I know the Trinity is very confusing...

[Xenia]

Wonderful wonderful answers... can't add a word :).