Do we pray to God or Jesus?
Here's the answer:
Pray to God the Father by the name of Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.
When we pray, we're actually talking to God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit, because they're all one God. Jesus prayed to God the Father and taught us to do the same.
Jesus also said to pray in His name. That doesn't mean merely saying at the end of a prayer, "In Jesus' name, Amen." Praying in the name of Jesus means praying for things Jesus would pray for; it means praying in a way that honors Jesus. When we pray to God in Jesus' name, we're saying that we can only come to God through Jesus. Jesus died for the sin that separates us from God. We can only have a relationship with God and pray to Him through trusting Jesus.
When Jesus saves us from sin, He gives us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives inside of Christians to help us know and obey God. The Holy Spirit also helps us pray. So we pray to God the Father by the name of Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Bible Truth
"[Jesus said,] 'And I will do anything you ask in my name. Then the Son will bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name. I will do it'" (John 14:13–14).
"Brothers and sisters, I am asking you through the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray for me with the love the Holy Spirit provides" (Romans 15:30).
"...the Holy Spirit helps us when we are weak. We don't know what we should pray for. But the Spirit himself prays for us. He prays with groans too deep for words" (Romans 8:26).
