Vital Signs: Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Approaching the Throne

“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.”—Matthew 6:9 (NKJV)

Do I Pray to God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit?

Prayer is one of the greatest privileges we have as Christians. But it often raises a sincere question: “Am I supposed to pray to God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit?”

Our faith teaches that God is One, yet exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—what we call the Holy Trinity. Though this unity is a mystery, when we speak to One, we are communicating with all. They are distinct in role, yet perfectly united in essence.

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus modeled praying to the Father. Elsewhere, He taught us to ask the Father in His name. This isn’t just a matter of formality or semantics—it’s an act of faith. When we pray in Jesus’ name, we acknowledge what He accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection. We affirm that Jesus is the way to the Father, and that we are invited into God’s presence through Him.

This understanding helps us enter prayer with confidence. Saying “In Jesus’ name” is not a magic phrase—it’s a spiritual declaration that we believe in Christ’s finished work and stand in right relationship with the Father because of Him.

At the same time, our view of God deeply affects how we pray. If we see Him as cold, distant, or unapproachable, prayer can feel difficult or empty. But Scripture reminds us: God created us for relationship. He wants us near. In fact, He gave up His only Son so we could draw close again.

Because Jesus bore our sin and shame on the cross, we can now approach God boldly and freely. There is no condemnation—only invitation. Prayer becomes a declaration of our freedom and a response to the Father’s love. Despite our imperfections, God delights in hearing our hearts.

So whether you whisper a quiet “Father,” cry out to Jesus, or sense the Holy Spirit interceding on your behalf, know that your prayers are welcomed at the throne of grace.