This Month at PAYH: Monthly Newsletter, April 2024

Why Pray In Jesus’ Name?

By Dr. Jeff Padgett

We have all heard the words. Those four-letter words used in almost every movie in Hollywood. Of all the words that sicken me the most are the ones that use the Name of God in them or use the Name of Jesus in an improper manner. Such language comes from the realm of the kingdom of darkness. With that in mind, if we are to shun the things of the dark kingdom, shouldn’t we gravitate toward the principles of the Kingdom of the Most High? Of course we should. The enemy would like nothing more for us to misuse the Name of Jesus, which is why it is so important to combat his counterfeit and properly use the genuine.

Praying in the Name of Jesus is commanded by Jesus Himself in John 14:13-14, “13 And whatever you ask in My Name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” It is reenforced in John 15:16, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in My Name the Father will give you.” And in John 16:23-24, “23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in My Name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

When you pray in Jesus’ Name, you recognize that He is interceding for you. The Bible tells us He is our Intercessor. He is our Advocate to the Father. Praying in Jesus’ Name acknowledges that.

1 John 5: 14-15 tells us, “14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”

Praying in Jesus’ Name is more than mere words. Praying in the Name of Jesus provides an activation and a release of the Power in the spirit realm. We must learn to think like Jesus. When Jesus said to pray in His Name, we are not asking with the thought process of just saying it automatically brings things into existence, as if He is some glorified Santa Claus. When our words come into agreement with His Will, He is releasing His dynamis (the Greek word for power) over our lives. This is where we derive our English word dynamite. It is the same word used to describe the power that came our of Jesus in Mark 5:30, when the woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of His garment. That power brings our words into alignment with His Will. It parallels us with His Mind and His Character.

Strength For The Day

Each week, PAYH shares a devotional; “Strength For The Day,” by Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret. In addition to being a retired US Army Chaplain, he is also the husband of our Co-Founder, Glenda Anderson Leonard. His writing is both moving and inspiring and will most certainly lift your spirit and encourage you in your walk with Jesus. To receive his weekly writing, you can subscribe online at payh.org. You can also read past writings by clicking here.

Chick-fil-A Vidalia Road Race Recap

What a fantastic day! A great turnout, nice, cool weather, and a fun atmosphere made this year’s Chick-fil-A Vidalia Road Race a huge success! Thank you to all of the participants and the sponsors who believe in our community enough to support WinShape Camps, The Paul Anderson Youth Home, and the Vidalia Heritage Academy. Click on the picture to view the recap video and we’ll see you at the finish line in 2025!

Kitchen Tutelage

Life lessons in the kitchen! These young men at PAYH are learning valuable skills, like cooking and teamwork while setting the table together. It’s more than just a meal – it’s about building discipline and a brighter future.

Thank You Drew Callaghan and RPE

The PAYH would like to thank Drew Callaghan, Vice President of Business Development at RPE, LLC., for the delicious potatoes contribution to help feed our young men. Their partnership is an invaluable asset to the Home.

Thank You, Mr. Richard Coss

As the child of alcoholic parents, Richard Coss was behind bars nine years by the time he was twenty five years old. With 28 convictions, ranging from burglary and drug deals, to violent shootings and stabbings, his life seemed hopeless and out of control.

One fateful afternoon, following a visit from several church deacons, he heard a message of hope and forgiveness. Richard finally surrendered his life to Jesus Christ, and his life has been forever changed. He is now an ordained minister, sharing his testimony of redemption in schools and prisons throughout the country. Thank you, Richard, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share your story with our young men.

We Love 5-Star Reviews

Brad, thank you so much for this heartwarming 5-star review! We are grateful to have you as part of the PAYH family.

At Paul Anderson Youth Home, we are dedicated to transforming the lives of troubled young men and their families across the nation. We meet them at their point of need and provide a Christian home environment in which they can rebuild their broken lives through a process of recovery, restoration, and redemption.

If PAYH has positively impacted your life, we would love to hear your story! Please share it in the comments or leave us a Google review. Your support means the world to us! 🌍