A: The Bible tells us that we should pray to the Father (Mt 6:6)(Mt 6:9-13)(Lk 11:2-4)(Rom 8:15), and that we should pray to the Father in Jesus’ name (Jn 15:16)(Eph 5:20). (Eph 2:18) tells us that “through Him (Jesus) we have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” In other words, it is through Jesus that we have the ability pray to the Father. Jesus also confirmed that He is the way to the Father (Jn 14:6)(Mt 11:27). Therefore, it seems pretty apparent that this should be the primary way in which we pray.

     However, as part of the process of beginning a relationship with Jesus, we are told in (Rom 10:13) that “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Also see: Acts 2:21). In other words, we are “calling upon” (or praying to) “the Lord” (who is Jesus – see Rom 10:9), and asking Him to save us. Therefore, it seems clear that the most important prayer ANY person can pray is directed to Jesus for salvation.

     In addition, these two verses also point to praying to Jesus:

(Jn 14:13-14) 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. (caps emphasis mine)

     Here are a few examples of people praying to Jesus.

Stephen prayed to Jesus (Acts 7:59-60).

Paul prayed to Jesus, asking Him to remove his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor 12:8-9). (Notice the parallel between Paul asking Jesus 3 times, and Jesus asking the Father 3 times in the Garden of Gethsemane [Mt 26:36-45, Mk 14:32-41].)

Both Paul and John asked the Lord to “come” (Maranatha = “Our Lord come”) (1 Cor 16:22)(Rev 22:20).

Paul greeted all those who “call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor 1:2).

The apostles were likely praying to Jesus when they were seeking a replacement for Judas, since Jesus chose the original twelve (Acts 1:23-26).

     Of course, we also know that Jesus “IS” God, and since we are to pray to God, that pretty much could sum things up.

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