Can We Pray to Jesus? Or Only to the Father?
A Biblical Breakdown from the King James Version (KJV)
Introduction
Prayer is a vital part of the Christian life—it's how we communicate with God.
But the question arises: to whom do we pray? Is it only to the Father, as we often see in the standard model of prayer, or can we pray directly to Jesus as well?
Understanding this question is crucial to cultivating a vibrant and biblically sound prayer life.
This article will explore what Scripture says about prayer to the Father, to Jesus, and the deeper relational dynamics behind both.
By examining the Bible's teachings on prayer, we’ll discover both the established pattern and the intimate relationship believers have with Jesus in prayer.
1. Standard Pattern: Pray to the Father in the Name of the Son
John 16:23 (KJV)
“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.”
Explanation:
Jesus taught His disciples to pray to the Father.
This is the established model for prayer in the New Testament, emphasized repeatedly in His teachings.
The prayer is directed to the Father, but it is made in the authority and name of Jesus, based on His finished work on the cross.
“In my name” means by the authority of Jesus, based on His finished work on the cross.
Prayer is not merely a transaction but a relationship established through Christ.
It is through Jesus' atoning work that we have access to God the Father.
Why This Pattern?
God the Father is the source of all provision, the One who answers our prayers.
Jesus serves as the Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) and the High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–16), through whom we can approach the throne of grace.
It is only by His atoning work that we can approach God boldly.
Believers approach boldly not because of their own merit, but because of Christ’s atonement.
This pattern keeps our prayers centered on God the Father as the ultimate giver of every good thing, but it recognizes Jesus as the means of access and the foundation of the relationship.
2. You Can Also Pray to Jesus
While the standard model is praying to the Father through the Son, Scripture shows examples of believers praying directly to Jesus, especially in times of worship, intimacy, or personal need.
It is biblically valid to pray to Jesus, particularly in moments of closeness or urgent need.
Acts 7:59 (KJV)
“And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Stephen prays directly to Jesus, and there is no rebuke for this.
The prayer is accepted, and this act of faith is recorded in Scripture as an example of how believers may call upon Jesus, especially in moments of deep need and trust in Him.
2 Corinthians 12:8–9 (KJV)
“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee…”
Paul appeals to “the Lord,” which contextually refers to Jesus.
The Lord responds with grace, a key identifier of Christ’s dealings with His people.
This shows that direct prayer to Jesus is valid and often involves receiving His personal assurance and response.
Revelation 22:20 (KJV)
“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
This is a direct prayer to Jesus at the conclusion of the Bible, affirming that He is a valid recipient of worshipful prayer.
The prayer calls for Jesus’ return, a prayer to which He will ultimately respond.
This example demonstrates that praying to Jesus, particularly in the context of His second coming, is an integral part of the New Testament understanding of prayer.
3. Worship and Communion with Jesus
Prayer is more than asking—it includes worship, thanksgiving, confession, and fellowship.
It is an act of communion with God. Jesus is:
• Savior
• Bridegroom
• Shepherd
• Friend
So speaking directly to Him in praise and love is entirely appropriate and biblically sound.
Prayer to Jesus acknowledges the relationship of the believer to Him, who is not only the mediator but also the intimate companion in the faith.
Philippians 1:21–23 (KJV)
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain... having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ…”
Paul expresses his longing for Christ, showing that prayer includes relational closeness and intimacy, not just formal requests for help.
Prayer is a means of nurturing a personal relationship with Christ, who is the very essence of our life and faith.
Did Jesus Say, “Pray to Me”?
No, Jesus never explicitly said, “Pray to Me.” He taught that we should pray to the Father (e.g., Matthew 6:9; John 16:23).
However, Jesus did accept prayer directed to Himself, which speaks to His divinity and acceptance of worship.
While He provided the model of praying to the Father, He also demonstrates through His actions that it is valid to address Him directly.
This is a natural expression of the relationship believers have with Christ.
Did Jesus Accept Prayer or Encourage It Toward Himself?
Yes, Jesus accepted worship, requests, and even prayers, affirming His divinity.
By doing so, He confirms His role as both Lord and Savior, fully receiving the reverence and trust placed in Him by believers.
John 14:13–14 (KJV)
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do… If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.”
John 9:38 (KJV)
“And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.”
Matthew 8:2 (KJV)
“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.”
John 20:28 (KJV)
“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.”
Bonus Verse Suggestion:
Romans 10:13 (KJV)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
(Compare with Joel 2:32—“the LORD” is Jehovah)
In the NT context, this “Lord” is Jesus, and calling upon Him is seen as an act of faith-filled prayer.
This demonstrates that addressing Jesus in prayer is part of what it means to call on the name of the Lord.
Final Conclusion
The New Testament model is:
Pray to the Father,
in the name of the Son,
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:18; John 16:23; Matthew 6:9)
But it is entirely biblical to pray directly to Jesus, especially in:
Personal devotion • Urgent need • Worship • Thanksgiving • Relational closeness
Why?
He is God (John 1:1; John 20:28)
He receives prayer (Acts 7:59)
He responds to prayer (John 14:14)
He receives worship (Matthew 28:9; John 9:38)
In Acts 9:5, the biblical account of Saul's conversion, Jesus reveals Himself to Saul, who was persecuting Christians, by saying, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting."
This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Saul's transformation into the Apostle Paul and his subsequent role in spreading Christianity.
Jesus is not only Mediator, but also Lord, Savior, and Friend.
You may boldly speak to Him, worship Him, and walk in constant fellowship with Him.