The topic of who we are to pray to in the Trinity is an important one for Christians to understand. The Bible teaches that there is one God who exists eternally in three persons – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. Each member of the Trinity is fully God, yet there is only one God. When it comes to prayer, the Bible shows believers praying to all three persons of the Trinity.
Praying to God the Father
The Bible encourages believers to pray to God the Father. Jesus Himself gave us an example of this in the Lord’s Prayer which begins “Our Father in heaven…” (Matthew 6:9). Jesus told us to pray to the Father and make our requests known to Him (Matthew 6:8). We are to pray to the Father in Jesus’ name (John 16:23).
Throughout the New Testament, prayer is often directed to God the Father. The apostles frequently prayed to the Father (Acts 4:24-30; Romans 1:8-10; Ephesians 1:15-17). Paul said we have access to the Father through Christ and can approach Him with confidence in prayer (Ephesians 2:18; 3:12). Believers can pray directly to the Father because of the work of Christ on our behalf.
Praying to the Son, Jesus Christ
The New Testament also shows examples of praying to the Son, Jesus Christ. In Acts 7:59, Stephen prays “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” In 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, Paul prays to Christ to remove his thorn in the flesh. Prayer is directed to the risen and ascended Christ seated at the right hand of the Father (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).
Jesus invites believers struggling with burdens to come directly to Him in prayer to find rest (Matthew 11:28). He assures us that whatever we ask in His name, He will do (John 14:13-14). The book of Revelation portrays heavenly beings and the 24 elders falling down before the throne of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, to offer Him prayer and worship (Revelation 5:8).
Praying to the Holy Spirit
There are also examples in Scripture of praying to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is fully God just as the Father and Son are. In 2 Corinthians 13:14, Paul writes, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” Here, Paul puts the Holy Spirit on equal standing with Christ and the Father.
The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers (Romans 8:26-27) and makes intercession for us according to God’s will. Paul commands believers to pray at all times in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18). Jude 20 says we are to pray in the Holy Spirit. The Spirit helps make our prayers effective according to God’s purposes.
Praying to the Triune God
While prayer may be directed specifically to the Father, Son or Holy Spirit at times, most often prayer is addressed to the Triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit together. We do not have to divide up our prayers to make sure we pray to each Person of the Trinity equally. God is three in Person but one in essence.
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He began with “Our Father” indicating prayer is primarily directed to the Father. But the closing statement “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever” implies worship of the Triune God (Matthew 6:13). Though prayer may be addressed to one member of the Trinity at times, ultimately all prayer is communication with the one true God revealed in three Persons.
Biblical Examples of Prayer to the Triune God
Here are some biblical examples of prayers directed to the Triune God:
- 2 Corinthians 13:14 – “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
- 1 Peter 1:2 – “According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood…”
- Jude 20-21 – “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”
- Revelation 1:4-5 – “Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.”
These verses demonstrate prayer directed to the Triune God as Father, Son and Spirit together. Our prayers ultimately are communing with the one true God, even when addressing a specific member of the Trinity.
God Hears and Answers Prayer to the Trinity
The Bible makes it clear that God hears and answers prayers made to Him, whether they are addressed to Father, Son and Holy Spirit individually or together. Here are some promises that God hears and responds to the prayers of His people (ESV):
- “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15)
- “For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:8)
- “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13)
- “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7)
- “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)
God promises to hear and answer prayer offered according to His will and in the name of Jesus. We can have confidence approaching the throne of grace to find mercy and help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
How Should We Pray to the Trinity?
Knowing that Scripture shows believers praying to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, here are some practical tips on how to pray to the Triune God:
- Pray in Jesus’ name – Approach God the Father through faith in the Son. Jesus said to ask in His name (John 14:13).
- Pray in the Spirit’s power – The Spirit intercedes for us and enables effective prayer (Romans 8:26-27). Yield to the Spirit’s leading as you pray.
- Pray with reverence for God – Remember you are communing with the almighty, holy Creator and Redeemer.
- Pray with adoration – Express your love and awe for the glorious Trinity. Praise each Person for their distinct attributes and roles.
- Pray with confession – Be honest about your sin and need for grace. Claim God’s forgiveness through Christ.
- Pray with thanksgiving – Give thanks for God’s many blessings and answers to prayer.
- Present your requests – God invites you to cast your cares on Him. Make your needs and desires known.
- Close in Jesus’ name – Conclude your prayers in Christ’s name and for His glory.
Prayer is a holy privilege for believers to communicate intimately with Almighty God. Follow Jesus’ example and the guidance of Scripture as you pray to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Frequent Questions about Prayer to the Trinity
Should I end my prayers “in Jesus’ name”?
It is appropriate and biblical to end your prayers “in Jesus’ name.” This means we approach God the Father through faith in the mediating work of the Son. Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). Ending our prayers in Christ’s name recognizes that He is our mediator and that access to the Father comes only through Him.
Can I pray to just the Holy Spirit alone?
It is biblical to pray to the Holy Spirit directly at times, just as people in Scripture did. However, we should remember that all prayer is ultimately directed to and heard by the Triune God. The Holy Spirit will not answer independently from the Father and Son, because the Trinity always works together in perfect unity.
What if I accidentally pray to the wrong Person of the Trinity?
Don’t be overly worried if you address a prayer to the “wrong” member of the Trinity. For example, if you pray to Jesus something that Scripture indicates we should pray to the Father, God understands your heart. The details of which Person we address are secondary to the sincerity of our prayer. God also knows we don’t have perfect understanding of His ways. The Bible promises that the Spirit intercedes for us with understanding according to God’s will (Romans 8:26-27).
Can I pray to God if I don’t know which Person of the Trinity to address?
It’s absolutely fine to pray simply to “God” if you are unsure which Person of the Trinity to specifically address. Scripture records many prayers addressed simply to “Lord” or “God.” The Lord’s Prayer starts by addressing “Our Father” indicating the Father is the primary addressee of prayer. But the Triune God hears and understands any prayer sincerely directed to Him.
Conclusion
In conclusion, prayer in the Bible is freely made to God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. While we may specifically address one member of the Trinity at times, it is appropriate and effective to pray simply to the Triune God. Our heavenly Father hears and answers prayer through Christ’s mediation and by the Spirit’s empowering. By praying to the Trinity, we express praise, confession, and requests to the One who created, redeemed and dwells in us.
