Praying to Jesus in Scripture:
We are to call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord:
“Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:” (1 Corinthians 1:2).
We are to make melody in our hearts to the Lord Jesus.
19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” (Ephesians 5:19-20).
Note: Verse 19 says that we are to make melody in our hearts to the Lord, and verse 20 clarifies that the Lord here is Jesus. Also, verse 19 is about singing to the Lord (i.e. the Lord Jesus), and verse 20 is about giving thanks to God the Father in the name of Jesus.
John writes in the book of Revelation his own words to Jesus that says, “
Even so come, Lord Jesus.”
“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20).
Stephen called upon God and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
“And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying,
Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
(Acts of the Apostles 7:59).
Paul tells Timothy of how he thanks Jesus.
“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; (1 Timothy 1:12).
Romans 10:9 says we are to confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus (
as a part of our salvation), and Romans 10:13 continues to talk about this same Lord in context and says whoever shall upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:9-13).
Note: Philippians 2:11 says, “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Romans 10:13 is referring to how we are initially saved. It is saying that whoever calls upon the name of the Lord Jesus shall be saved. This is naturally by way of prayer.
1 John 2:1 says,
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” (1 John 2:1).
In just two verses prior in 1 John 1:9 in context, it says,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
These verses should help to illustrate that praying to Jesus is clearly biblical. Romans 10:13, and 1 John 1:9 show that praying to Jesus is essential to our salvation.