“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God FOR CHRIST’S SAKE hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:3-2). The Holy Spirit said God hath forgiven us “for Christ’s sake.”

This being true, why should it be wrong for us to use the phrase “for Christ’s sake” in our prayers? Certainly, certainly, ask the prayer in the name of Christ (Rom. 1:8, Col. 3:17). But in view of Ephesians 4:32 may we not use the words “for Christ’s sake?” Someone may say, it is not for Christ’s sake we pray, it is for “our sake,” “my sake.” I understand Christ was perfect and we are not, and personally I do not feel worthy to say to my God grant my petitions “for my sake,” do you? I need help, forgiveness, all right, but what is there about me to ask the Lord to do it for my sake? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. But when I ask God to have mercy upon my requests for Christ’s sake, that adds weight to my petition. Shows our knowledge of our unworthiness, and shows our belief in Christ’s worthiness.

David said, “For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity” (Ps. 25:11). “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Ps. 23:3). “Help us, O God and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake” (Ps. 79:9).

Hear God through Isaiah! “For my name’s sake will I defer mine anger” (Isa. 48:9).

Hear John, the beloved disciple. The Holy Spirit prompted him to write: “I write unto little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake” (1 John. 2: 12) . If you do not wish to use such a phrase in your prayer, that is your privilege.  Just bear in mind that, “in Christ’s name” means my position in Christ Jesus and by the authority of Christ; and “for Christ’s sake” means for the worthiness of Christ, the will of Christ and to the glory of Christ.  Both are proper, if you want to use both. No one is advocating the necessity of both, but we are advocating the scripturalness of both.