Why do we pray in Jesus' name?

Chuck Smith, Effective Prayer Life, chapter 2: Prayer is to be addressed to the Father, in the authority of the name of Jesus. Actually, you have no right to an audience with God on your own. There’s no way you can earn such a privilege. The only way you can have an audience with the Father is through Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Ask the Father for your needs, but ask Him in the name of Jesus Christ. It’s through Jesus Christ that you have the right to come, that you have a hearing, and are received. When you knock, use the name of Jesus. If I knock on His door and say, “Father, it’s Chuck here, wanting to talk to you.” He is apt to respond, “Who’s Chuck, what right do you have to knock on My door?” But if when I knock I say, “Father, this is Chuck and I come in the name of Jesus.” The response will be, “Come on in Chuck, good to hear from you.” Scripture, King James Version: John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.". From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.

Verified. Every scripture quotation on this page has been checked word-for-word against the King James text. Last reviewed 2026-10-15.