Ending A Prayer

Do we have to conclude our prayers by saying a specific formula of words? Most of us end our prayers by using such phrases as:

1. "In Jesus name"
2. "In Christ name"
3. "In the name of Jesus Christ"

It seems that there is a misunderstanding concerning what these phrases mean. In the Bible, to do something in the name of Christ is to do it by his authority. There is no set of words that we must say at the end of our prayers in order to validate them. Note these examples:

1. We baptize in the Lord's name (by his authority)

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38);

(For as yet he was fallen upon one of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus) (Acts 8:16);

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. (Acts10:48).

2. We preach in the Lord's name (by his authority)

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47)

3. All that we do religiously should be done in the Lord's name (by his authority)

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Col. 3:17)

It is clear from the above that the phrase "in the name of" does not refer to a formula (a certain set of words) that we must say when we act by the Lord's authority.

It is, however, always appropriate to use phrases such as, "In Jesus name" when we pray. In doing this we are actually teaching people who hear us pray that we are approaching the Father through Christ and his divine authority:

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:23-24);

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (I Tim. 2:5);

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (Heb. 9:24).