One certainly would assume from what we hear from
each other that there is some clear command for us to always conclude our prayers with
such a phrase as "In Christ name". It is based on such statements as John
14:13,14 where Jesus said, "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the
Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."
Later in Colossians 3:17 Paul wrote, "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the
name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father in His name." There is
certainly not a question that we are to pray in the name of the Lord as well as do every
other thing we do in His service.
The reality is, this probably had nothing to do with
our saying it at the conclusion of every prayer except that it is a good reminder to us
and a good teaching tool to others. Our prayers must be in the name of Lord. But a Pray
doesn't have to have those words said in order to be in His name. Since all things are to
be done in His name if doing something in His name required saying it every time we would
be in quite an area of stress wouldn't we?
Is it a good idea to say "In the name of the
Lord" or some such phrase at the conclusion of our prayers? I think so. Just as it is
a good idea to say, "In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for the
remission of sins" one's baptism. But it isn't the words which make it reality. It is
what is done. The phrase in the name of mean by the authority of so if we pray in the
Lord's name we are going to God in His authority. No wonder then we can go to Him with all
boldness (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Leon Barnes