Prestor,

I have been in prayer with people who have addressed the Father, the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit in their prayers. It’s always made me feel a little funny. I’ve also wondered if it was appropriate. Something in me convicts me that we should offer our prayers to the Father alone in Jesus' name alone. For He is the only mediator between God and man.

Alexander Whyte wrote a beautiful study on the subject of prayer entitled, ”Lord Teach Us To Pray” This book is available on-line, just follow the link I enclosed.

When His disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray He replied, “When you pray say, ‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.’” (Luke 11:1)

Christ is the Revealer of the Father's name, and they who pray in the name of Christ have for their confidence this promise, "Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14:13) - and this, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you" (John 16:23).

It’s also interesting to note that when Jesus dwelled with men on the earth He always prayed to His Father. And now that He has gone on before us to heaven He still intercedes on our behalf to our Father in heaven. See John 17 ."I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. (v.9-11)


Wes

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts