Why do many end their prayers “In Jesus’ name?” To figure this out, let us start with what prayer is. Prayer is holding a conversation and building a relationship with God by letting him know about every aspect of our life, including our problems and woes, as well as happiness and joy. Not that God does not already know them, but because he loves to be close to us. It is also a time to show Him honor, glory, and respect. Prayer must come from our hearts and not a manner of routine, display, or for hire.
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.” Matthew 23:14
When we approach God in prayer, we must wholeheartedly want to speak to him, have a humble spirit, confess our sins, and be willing to obey him.
It should be evident to all how vital prayer is because Jesus himself prayed often. Jesus was part of the Holy Trinity but also part man. As a man, he demonstrated the necessity and importance of a prayer life. His first recorded prayer took place right before being tempted by Satan. He also taught that sometimes it is necessary to combine prayer and fasting to overcome the wiles of Satan, as he instructed his disciples that could not cast out a demon.
“And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.” Matthew 4:2
“And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:29
Jesus knew of his upcoming crucifixion, and his human side prayed for it not to happen; however, he knew the importance of being in God’s will and said if not, then thy will be done. His prayer required a tremendous amount of faith and obedience.
“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42
Although we know that God talked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the first mentioned prayer is found in Genesis. When Seth became a father, it says that the men called on the name of God.
“And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the Lord.” Genesis 4:26
Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer by example and gave us a guideline in Matthew 6:5-14, called the Lord’s Prayer. Before getting into the jest of the prayer, he warns that the purpose of praying is not to make ourselves look important. If that is our purpose, we will not be rewarded for whatever we prayed for because we have received man’s reward. Although God covets group prayer, he also wants our one-on-one prayers to build a relationship of trust and blessings. Sometimes, many prayers are required before God answers our prayers. God respects and likes our belief that he is capable and will answer our requests. God does not like when we repeat empty, vain words over and over, thinking that they will flatter him in answering our prayers. Remember, God already knows our problems but wants us to believe he will answer our prayers.
The Lord’s Prayer teaches that we should respectfully open in prayer by recognizing God as our creator, master, and spiritual father. We should praise his name and be willing to do his will. We should acknowledge God as our Sustainer and Provider. We are to pray for compassion to forgive those who wronged us as we are sinners and forgiven by God. Always ask God to help us recognize temptations and to give us strength to fight all evil. We should acknowledge that God is all-powerful and confess that he is due glory and honor forever.
In John chapter fourteen, Jesus tells us that he is the only path to God, and if we ask in his name, God will do it; however, there are conditions such as what we ask must be in God’s character and will. Using Jesus’ name is not a magic wand that grants our every whim.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14
Only those who have called upon Jesus as their savior can pray in his name. Think about it, what can an unsaved person gain using Jesus’ name when they do not believe in their heart that he is God’s son. In fact, they really do not believe in God. To pray in Jesus’ name is to acknowledge that our access to God in prayer comes only through Jesus. It is an act of professing that we are covered by his blood and only found righteous through God’s only begotten Son. We are not required to say “in Jesus’ name” every time we pray; however, we must know that our access to God in prayer is only through the “one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” When ending prayer in Jesus’ name, we honor Jesus’ work on earth and bring glory to God’s name.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5
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