The Bible does not teach to pray to Jesus

[mikesw]

Please show me where there were Christians in the Bible practicing Trinitarianism.

You can see Paul speaking from at least a binitarian level. Here's where he addressed the gentiles with that understanding
https://berean-apologetics.communit...-in-light-of-christs-divinity.1593/post-70248

You won't like those verses shared by Paul because it is another passage that speaks against your denial of Christ's deity. It is just a horrible thing that scripture rejects your beliefs.

 

[TomL]

we still have the Old Testament completely refuting your “oldest testimony” argument.

Question. Is Jesus the same person as YHWH in your beliefs?

Actually you do not. There are multiple passages showing more than one person as God/YHWH

 

[TomL]

so you are going to disregard the New Testament. It does not sound like you are worth listening to then.

It gets blended in the Old Testament about who of the Trinity is being encountered. That is what the Jewish interpreters encountered. I'm sorry if you have not understood the nuances.

Indeed

 

[Runningman]

Um New Testament references to the Old Testament identify Christ as YHWH

And more than one is called YHWH in the Old Testament

Multiple posts you have not addressed testify to this.

Let's just see what you are arguing against here exactly. You don't believe the Old Testament is an older set of scripts than the New Testament?

 

[Runningman]

so you are going to disregard the New Testament. It does not sound like you are worth listening to then.

It gets blended in the Old Testament about who of the Trinity is being encountered. That is what the Jewish interpreters encountered. I'm sorry if you have not understood the nuances.

Some of the oldest manuscripts say "the Lord" in 1 Cor. 10:9. It's clearly the theologically sound regardless of whether or not its the oldest one discovered. The best and oldest manuscripts don't support anything about Jesus being in the Old Testament.

 

[Runningman]

You can see Paul speaking from at least a binitarian level. Here's where he addressed the gentiles with that understanding
https://berean-apologetics.communit...-in-light-of-christs-divinity.1593/post-70248

You won't like those verses shared by Paul because it is another passage that speaks against your denial of Christ's deity. It is just a horrible thing that scripture rejects your beliefs.

Not sure why you think that is a strong argument. Galatians 3:19,20 is what you opened with and is a Unitarian verse. Did you know the mediator between God and men right now is a man himself? Paul said that in 1 Timothy 2:5.

 

[mikesw]

Some of the oldest manuscripts say "the Lord" in 1 Cor. 10:9. It's clearly the theologically sound regardless of whether or not its the oldest one discovered. The best and oldest manuscripts don't support anything about Jesus being in the Old Testament.

You defy logic. You reject logic. You reject facts when you try to separate "Lord" from "Christ" here. Putting Lord there still confirms the reference to Christ. It is basic logic. Your take is to try to make scripture fit you view instead of accepting the testimony of scripture. That will not get you very close to finding anything truthful, it will just reflect your wild opinion. Plus, you constantly reject the testimony of the deity of Christ. So taking this one verse as an errant interpretation does not get you any closer to a sufficient argument to deny the deity of Christ.

 

[Runningman]

You defy logic. You reject logic. You reject facts when you try to separate "Lord" from "Christ" here. Putting Lord there still confirms the reference to Christ. It is basic logic. Your take is to try to make scripture fit you view instead of accepting the testimony of scripture. That will not get you very close to finding anything truthful, it will just reflect your wild opinion. Plus, you constantly reject the testimony of the deity of Christ. So taking this one verse as an errant interpretation does not get you any closer to a sufficient argument to deny the deity of Christ.

Jesus is the Lord but not the Lord God Almighty anywhere in the Bible. There is a divine hierarchy. You won't be able to see this as a Trinitarian. You're just going to argue anything put in front of you.

 

[mikesw]

Jesus is the Lord but not the Lord God Almighty anywhere in the Bible. There is a divine hierarchy. You won't be able to see this as a Trinitarian. You're just going to argue anything put in front of you.

Are you going to start making sensible arguments or keep feeding the failed arguments? Just something to give an inkling that you have a viable view. I shared the detail about Gal 3:19-20. From vv 16-20 there are three points where the divinity of Christ is found. Christ was there to receive the promise with Abraham in v 16. The promise was fulfilled to Christ as seen in v 19. The understanding of vv 19-20 was possible only by Christ Jesus being part of the Godhead. The Galatians knew this and had to know this to understand Paul's point.

 

[Runningman]

Are you going to start making sensible arguments or keep feeding the failed arguments? Just something to give an inkling that you have a viable view.

An argument and straight scripture won't convince you would it? You will automatically disagree or are you open to the idea if the Bible supports it?

 

[TomL]

Let's just see what you are arguing against here exactly. You don't believe the Old Testament is an older set of scripts than the New Testament?

Can you read ?

Um New Testament references to the Old Testament identify Christ as YHWH

And more than one is called YHWH in the Old Testament

Multiple posts you have not addressed testify to this.

Do you see anything remotely the same as what you asked?

Or is it that you are just are not able to deal with the facts noted?

 

[Johann]

Not much to comment on due to sheer lack of supporting verses. One may argue to the contrary, but there are no explicit examples where someone taught to pray to Jesus in the Bible. There are no examples of the word "pray" or "prayer" being used in conjunction with communicating to Jesus.

The Bible teaches to pray to God the Father. That's it.

Matthew 6​

6But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.​

​

9So then, this is how you should pray:​

‘Our Father in heaven,​

hallowed be Your name.​

We ought to pray to Yeshua Ha-Mashiach.

Acts 7:59-60 (The Martyrdom of Stephen)
“And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’”

Stephen’s words resemble a prayer directed to Jesus, demonstrating direct appeal in a moment of great need and surrender, similar to the way Jesus prayed to the Father on the cross. This passage strongly indicates that early Christians recognized Jesus as the appropriate recipient of prayers.

2. 1 Corinthians 1:2 (Invocation of Jesus' Name)
“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.”

The phrase “call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” implies a practice among early believers of addressing Jesus directly in prayer. “Calling upon” in biblical language often signifies prayer, worship, or invocation, indicating that the Corinthians (and by implication all believers) directed their prayers to Jesus.

3. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (Paul’s Petition to Jesus)
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”

Paul refers to his repeated petition to “the Lord,” whom many scholars identify as Jesus. Here, Paul’s appeal and the response he receives reflect an intimate prayer exchange, where Jesus answers personally, showing that Paul viewed Jesus as responsive to prayer.

4. John 14:13-14 (Jesus’ Instruction to Ask in His Name)
“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

In this passage, Jesus not only instructs His disciples to ask in His name but also indicates that He Himself will respond to these requests. While primarily emphasizing the authority of Jesus’ name, it also suggests His active role in hearing and answering prayer, which later Christians have understood to include prayer directly to Jesus.

5. Revelation 22:20 (The Prayer for Jesus’ Return)
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

John’s closing words in Revelation, “Come, Lord Jesus,” serve as a prayer to Jesus for His return. This appeal to Jesus directly, expressing anticipation of His second coming, shows both reverence and direct prayer to Jesus in a liturgical context.

6. Hebrews 4:14-16 (Approaching Jesus as the High Priest)
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession… Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

While this passage does not specify “praying to Jesus” explicitly, it encourages believers to approach Jesus as their High Priest with confidence, implying personal access in prayer. Jesus, as the mediator and high priest, makes direct appeal to Him both appropriate and encouraged, especially when seeking grace and mercy.


J.

 

[Johann]

Another dodge of Acts 1:24-25.

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
And they prayed. If Peter was the speaker here also-as seems probable from the expressions used-the change from the singular to the plural is worthy of notice ("they prayed," not 'he prayed'); showing that, whereas before they were listeners to him, this prayer was the act of the whole assembly, only by one mouth.
And said, Thou, Lord, [ Su (G4771) Kurie (G2962)]. 'The word "Lord," placed absolutely, denotes in the New Testament almost universally THE SON' (as Olshausen correctly remarks); and the words, "show whom thou hast chosen," are decisive. For the apostles are just Christ's messengers-it is He that sends them, and of Him it is that they bear witness. Here, therefore, we have the first example of a prayer offered to the exalted Redeemer, furnishing indirectly the strongest proof of his divinity.

Which knowest the hearts of all men - This is often declared to be the special prerogative of God, Jer_17:10, “I, Yahweh, search the heart,” etc.; Psa_139:1, Psa_139:23; 1Ch_28:9. Yet this attribute is also expressly ascribed to Jesus Christ, Rev_2:18; compare 23, “These things saith the Son of God - I am he which searcheth the reins and the hearts”; Joh_2:25; Joh_6:64; Joh_16:19. There are strong reasons for supposing that the apostles on this occasion addressed this prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ:

(1) The name Lord - Κύριος Kurios - is the common appellation which they gave to him, Act_2:36; Act_7:59-60; Act_10:36; 1Co_2:8; Php_2:11; Rev_11:8, et al.
(2) We are told that they worshipped him, or rendered him divine honors after his ascension, Luk_24:52.
(3) The disciples were accustomed to address him after his crucifixion by the names Lord or God indifferently, Act_1:6; Joh_20:28; Act_7:59.
(4) This was a matter pertaining especially to the church which the Lord Jesus had redeemed, and “to his own arrangement” in regard to it. He had chosen the apostles; he had given them their commission; he had fixed their number; and, what is worthy of special remark here, he had been the companion of the very men here designated as candidates for the office, and knew their qualifications for this work. If the apostles ever called on the Lord Jesus after his ascension, this was a case in which they would be likely to do it. That it was done is clear from the account of the death of Stephen, Act_7:59-60. And in this important matter of ordaining a new apostle to be a witness for Jesus Christ, nothing was more natural than that they should address him, though bodily absent, as they would assuredly have done if he were present. But if on this occasion they did actually address Christ, then two things clearly follow. First, that it is proper to render him divine homage, agreeably to the uniform declarations of the Scripture: Joh_5:23, “That all men should honor the Son even as they honor the Father”; Heb_1:6, “And let all the angels of God worship him”; Php_2:10-11; Rev_5:8-14; 1Th_3:11-12. Secondly, he must be divine. To none other but God can religious homage be rendered; and none other can be described as knowing the hearts of all people. The reason why they appealed to him on this occasion as the searcher of the heart was doubtless the great importance of the work to which the successor of Judas was to be called. One apostle of fair external character had proved a traitor; and, with this fact before them, they appealed to the Saviour himself to select one who would be true to him, and not bring dishonor upon his cause.
Barnes.

I concur with you @Fred


J.

 

[Johann]

there are no examples of the word "prayer" being used in conjunction with speaking to Jesus and no teachings regarding prayer to Jesus in the Bible. That means Jesus isn't God.

Incorrect statement-
The assertion that there is no scriptural support for praying to Jesus overlooks the Greek terminology used in early Christian texts, which indeed conveys prayer or invocation directed at Jesus, supporting His divinity.

Invocation and Appeal (ἐπικαλέω, epikaleō) In Acts 7:59, Stephen, while being martyred, ἐπικαλέω τὸν Κύριον Ἰησοῦν ("called upon the Lord Jesus"). The verb ἐπικαλέω indicates direct address and appeal, resembling formal invocation in prayer language. This reflects the same reverence as seen in the Septuagint (LXX) when addressing God, directly countering the argument that "prayer" is exclusive to God the Father. If calling on Jesus in this sense implies that Jesus is separate from deity, then Stephen's use of ἐπικαλέω in this context would be inconsistent with the reverence shown only to God.

Hebrews 4:16 (Προσέρχομαι, prosérchomai - Drawing Near) Προσέρχωμαι (prosérchomai) is used in Hebrews 4:16 to denote approaching the "throne of grace," which early believers understood as accessible through Christ's high priesthood. This term, common in Greek to describe both physical and spiritual approach, indicates drawing near with intent for divine help. The context implies that this approach is possible due to Jesus’ position, indicating that He hears and responds to prayers directly, further affirming His divine status and accessibility as God.

1 Corinthians 1:2 - Calling on Jesus as κύριος (Kyrios) Paul opens his letter by affirming those who ἐπικαλουμένοις τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ("call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"). The phrase ἐπικαλέομαι (epikaleomai), repeated from Acts 7:59, is frequently used in Hellenistic Greek and the LXX to describe worship or prayer directed to Yahweh. For Paul to use this terminology concerning Jesus places Him on equal footing with God, emphasizing that calling upon Jesus directly in prayer was a normative part of worship in the early Christian community.

Jesus as Θεός (Theos) in Titus 2:13 and John 20:28 In Titus 2:13, Paul refers to τὸν μέγαν Θεὸν καὶ σωτῆρα ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν ("our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ"). The grammar here, especially according to the Granville Sharp rule, binds “God” and “Savior” as descriptors of Jesus. Similarly, John 20:28 captures Thomas calling Jesus ὁ Κύριός μου καὶ ὁ Θεός μου ("My Lord and my God"). These confessions align with the worship due to God alone, further evidenced by Jesus’ acceptance of Thomas’s declaration.

Use of the term προσεύχομαι (proseuchomai) and λόγος (logos) in John 14:13-14 In John 14:13-14, Jesus promises to respond directly when believers ask ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου ("in My name"). While προσεύχομαι specifically (a formal term for prayer) isn’t used in every instance, λόγος (logos) connotes speaking or calling upon authority, which Jesus commands here. Thus, prayer in Jesus’ name inherently invokes His authority and active response, serving as a divine function rather than a mere intermediary role.

PRAYER, UNLIMITED YET LIMITED

The Synoptic Gospels
believers are encouraged to ask anything in Jesus' name and they shall receive it (cf. Matt. 7:7; 18:19; Mark 11:24; Luke 11:9-10)
believers are encouraged to persevere in prayer and God will provide "good things" (Matthew, Matt. 7:7-11) or "His Spirit" (Luke, Luke 11:5-13)
in the context of church discipline believers (two) are encouraged to unite in prayer (Matt. 18:19; see SPECIAL TOPIC: CHURCH DISCIPLINE)
in the context of the judgment of Judaism believers are to ask in faith without doubting (Matt. 21:18-22; Mark 11:23-24; see SPECIAL TOPIC: FAITH IN THE NT)
in the context of two parables (Luke 18:1-8, the unrighteous judge and Luke 18:9-14, the Pharisee and the sinner) believers are encouraged to act differently from the godless judge and self-righteous Pharisee. God hears the humble and repentant (Luke 18:1-14; see SPECIAL TOPIC: INTERPRETING PARABLES)

John's writings
believers are encouraged to ask anything in Jesus' name and they shall receive it (cf. John 9:31; 14:13-14; 16:23; 1 John 3:2; 5:14-16)
in the context of the man born blind whom Jesus heals, the true blindness of the Pharisees is revealed. Jesus' prayers (as any believer's) are answered because He knew God (see SPECIAL TOPIC: KNOW) and lived accordingly (John 9:31).
John's Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17)
John 14:12-14 – believing prayer characterized by
 (1) coming from believers
 (2) asking in Jesus' name (see SPECIAL TOPIC: The Name of the Lord [NT])
 (3) desiring that the Father be glorified
 (4) keeping commandments (v. 15; see SPECIAL TOPIC: KEEP)
John 15:7-10 – believers prayer characterized by
 (1) abiding in Jesus (see SPECIAL TOPIC: Abiding in John's Writings)
 (2) His word abiding in them
 (3) desiring that the Father be glorified
 (4) producing much fruit which is evidence of a true disciple
 (5) keeping commandments (v. 10)
John 15:15-17 – believers' prayer characterized by
 (1) their election (see SPECIAL TOPIC: ELECTION)
 (2) their fruit bearing which will remain
 (3) asking in Jesus' name
 (4) keeping command to love one another (see SPECIAL TOPIC: LOVE)
John 16:23-24 – believers' prayers characterized by
 (1) asking in Jesus' name
 (2) desiring that joy be made full
John's first letter (1 John)
1 John 3:22-24 – believers' prayer characterized by
 (1) keeping His commandments (vv. 22,24)
 (2) living appropriately
 (3) believing in Jesus
 (4) loving one another
 (5) abiding in Him and He in us
 (6) having the gift of the Spirit (see SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT [gift of])
1 John 5:14-16 – believers' prayer characterized by
 (1) confidence in God (see SPECIAL TOPIC: BOLDNESS)
 (2) according to His will (see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE WILL OF GOD)
 (3) believers praying for each other (see SPECIAL TOPIC: INTERCESSORY PRAYER)

James
James 1:5-7 – believers confronted with various trials are called on to ask for wisdom without doubting
James 4:2-3 – believers must ask with proper motives
James 5:13-18 – believers faced with health problems are encouraged
to ask elders to pray
to pray in faith
to ask that their sins will be forgiven
to confess sin to one another and pray for one another (similar to 1 John 5:16)
The key to effective prayer is Christlikeness. This is what praying in Jesus' name means. The worst thing God could do for most Christians is to answer their selfish prayers! In one sense all prayers are answered. The most valuable aspect of prayer is that the believer has spent time with God, trusting God.

SPECIAL TOPIC: EFFECTIVE PRAYER

SPECIAL TOPIC: PRAYER, UNLIMITED YET LIMITED

Prayer: Unlimited, Yet Limited -- Special Topic by Dr. Bob Utley, professor of hermeneutics (retired).

www.freebiblecommentary.org

J.

 

[Johann]

The same can be said of you. People like you that spread falsehoods and blasphemy about the Trinity are probably not entitled to eternal life. Go have a ham sandwich and enjoy your miserable life.

Is this how we speak to other members? Resorting to ad hominems?

J.

 

[David Koberstein]

Is this how we speak to other members? Resorting to ad hominems?

J.

If you don't like it (my chutzpah) I can put you on ignore.
Shalom

 

[Johann]

If you don't like it (my chutzpah) I can put you on ignore.
Shalom

Do so.

J.

 

[TomL]

Then why aren't you following the way, truth, and life of Jesus? He showed the way to pray and always prayed to the Father. He spoke the truth the Father taught him and taught others to pray to the Father in Matthew 6:6,9.

I have a question that I love to ask. Is Jesus your Lord?

He gave an example

He also stated

John 14:13–14 (KJV 1900) — 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

but you want to ignore that.

 

[David Koberstein]

Do so.

J.

You got it.

 

[Adherent]

Great!

Not only this but it is Jesus who answers prayers.

Joh 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Why would anyone want you not to pray to Jesus?

Jesus said "you have not because you ask not." James 4:2

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." Matthew 9:20-21
Faith in Jesus.