Should We End Our Prayers In Jesus Name?

“In Jesus name, we pray. Amen!” Most followers of Jesus end our prayers this way each time we pray.  There is nothing wrong with praying like this, but is it necessary for us to do it? You might be surprised.

I think we would all agree there is power in the name of Jesus. Somebody just shouted Amen! Because we know there is power in the name of Jesus, we have developed a habit of ending our prayers with: “In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.”Some say it two or three times for emphasis, believing that ending our prayers this way will make our prayers more likely to be answered by God.

Is it necessary, however, to end all our prayers this way? Now, I am not saying we shouldn’t end our prayers this way; I am asking is it necessary to end our prayers this way? Why do we pray this way?

Jesus Said to Pray In His Name

There is a good reason for us to pray in Jesus name. Jesus instructed his followers to use his name when they prayed (John 14:13-14; John 15:16; John 16:23-24; Ephesians 5:20).

These verses are pretty clear that we should pray using Jesus name. But, these verses don’t say we should end all our prayers in Jesus name. So, what does it mean to pray in Jesus name?

Praying In Jesus Name

In the first century to come or act in someone’s name meant that the person sending you sanctioned you to come or act on his/her behalf. You would not dare come on your own (Acts 3:6; Acts 4:7; Acts 16:18 and 1 Corinthians 5:4).

So, first, what it means to pray in Jesus’ name is talking to the Father based on the authorization Jesus gives us. How does Jesus give us the authority to come to the Father? Through his death on the cross. If we have surrendered our lives to Jesus, then we are in Jesus Christ. So, when we approach the Father in prayer, we are not coming on our merit. We can approach the Father because through Jesus’ death, we are acceptable to the Father.

Moreover, the name of a person represented the person and all of his or her character. The name of Jesus represents all that he is, his entire character. So, praying in Jesus name means that we pray in a way that is consistent with who he is and what he desires. Praying in Jesus name comes very close to the idea of praying according to the will of Jesus (1 John 5:14-15). It means praying for things that will exalt, honor and glorify Jesus.

Saying Prayers In Jesus Name Is Not A Magic Formula

So, is it wrong to add in Jesus’ name to the end of our prayers? No, there is absolutely nothing wrong with adding Jesus name at the end of our prayers. However, it must not be used a magic formula, believing somehow if we tack it on the end of our prayers that God is obligated to answer our prayers.

Prayer is a conversation with the living God. It must not be reduced to using Jesus’ name a lucky rabbit’s foot to get what we want. Praying this way is unbiblical. Adding “In Jesus name” at the end of our prayers when our hearts are far from him, or our prayers are motivated by selfishness, is meaningless.

The truth is, we can start or end our prayers with: “In Jesus Name.” We can add it in the middle. We can use phrases like, “Father, I do not approach you on my merit, but I come to you with the authority of Jesus.” The words are not the most important. The condition of our hearts is the most important aspect of talking to the living God.

Genuinely praying in Jesus’ name and for His glory is what is important. It is not the words in the prayer that matter, but the purpose behind the prayer. Praying for things that are in agreement with God’s will is the essence of praying in Jesus’ name.

What did you learn from this post that you didn’t already know?