TO WHOM DID THE EARLY CHRISTIANS PRAY?

Within weeks of Jesus' return to heaven, his disciples were being harassed and threatened by their opposers. (Acts 4:18)  Of course, they reached out in prayer-but to whom did they turn?  "They raised their voices with one accord to God," praying that he would continue helping them "through the name of [his]holy servant Jesus." (Acts 4:24, 30) So the disciples followed Jesus' guidelines on  prayer. They prayed to God not to Jesus.

Years later, the apostle Paul described the manner is which he and his associates prayed. Writing to fellow Christians, he said:  "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you."  (Colossians 1:3)  Paul also wrote to his fellow believers about "always giving thanks to our God and Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:20) From these words, we see that Paul encouraged others to pray to his "God and Father for everything"-but of course, in Jesus' name. -Colossians 3:17. 

Like the early Christians, we can show our love for Jesus by heeding his advice on prayer.  (John 14:15) As we pray to our heavenly Father-and to him alone-the words  of Psalm 116:1,2. will become ever more meaningful to us:  "I love Jehovah because he hears my voice . . .I will call on him as long as I live." 

Next time: WHAT IS THE BIBLE'S VIEW ON SEX? - DOES THE ANSWER  Matter?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015