Prepared to Answer

Such a joy and blessing to open God’s word at Woodside Bible Fellowship in Elmira this morning. Our topic was “Learning to think like Jesus…with your heart”, as we unpacked Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:8 - “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Such a great morning of fellowship and worship together. Thank you Woodside for letting Prepared to Answer serve with you today!

Have you ever doubted whether or not you are really saved? In today’s encore episode from our podcast archives, Scott and Shawn take a look at the Bible, particularly Jesus’ teachings, to see what it means to be a real follower of Jesus and what evidences there should be in a Christian’s life to show that they are truly saved.

Check it out here: https://preparedtoanswer.org/podcast/9321-what-are-the-marks-of-a-true-disciple?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=post-encore_true-disciple_2026-07-07

Part 9 of our Trinity series ✨ How should be pray to God if he is three persons?

This is the ninth post in our series to help you learn about and defend the doctrine of the Trinity.

The Bible clearly teaches that there is only ONE God. But that God exists as THREE distinct persons. That’s the doctrine of the Trinity.

But this raises the question: “Who do we pray to?”

Failing to get this perfect isn’t a sin. But since salvation in Jesus means becoming God’s own child, we should do our best to relate to God as he’s revealed himself to us.

Jesus gives us the clearest instruction on praying to God. “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name’”. (Matthew 6:9)

This is how Jesus prayed, so this should set the norm for us too. The focus of our prayers should be toward God the Father.

But Jesus also said, “ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it” (John 14:14). It seems, then, that Jesus encourages us to ask of him.

Yet elsewhere Jesus says, “whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” (John 15:16)

This reminds us that it is only through Jesus, the Son, that we approach God. (John 14:6) At times, we may thoughtfully pray to Jesus then, mindful that it is through him that our prayers to the Father are made.

Paul instructs us to pray “in the Holy Spirit”. (Ephesians 6:18) The Holy Spirit is the one who enables and even helps us to pray. (Romans 8:26) But should we pray to he Spirit?

There’s no command for us to do so. But when Paul says that we can “grieve the Holy Spirit” by our sin, (Ephesians 4:30) it would seem appropriate to acknowledge him in prayer as well.

In general, it would seem the Bible teaches us to pray to the Father, in the name of the Son, by the power of the Spirit.

But since all three are persons, it seems appropriate at times to pray to each of them, thoughtfully recognizing the unique roles each of them plays.