Expert: Quentin Parker - 11/25/2010

Question
My mom applies the blood of Jesus a lot during prayer, especially for prayer and safety. She also reminds me to apply the blood of Jesus when I get sick. I just want to know
whether this is a Biblical concept or no (false teaching). Thanks so much.

Answer
Hello Tamara,

Thank-you for your question.

No, it’s not a biblical concept. The Bible does require that the person praying ask in faith (James 1:5-8) and that he not have unconfessed sin in his heart (Psalm 66:18). Here are a few other verses that give a good summary of Scripture’s teaching on prayer:

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him" (1 John 5:14-15).

"…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16).

"And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:13-14).

"…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express" (Romans 8:26).

"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures" (James 4:3).

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:5-8).

“After this manner therefore pray ye... Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespassess, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.” (Matthew 6.9-13).

Thanks again for your question, Tamara. I hope you find this helpful.

God bless!
Quentin Parker