Should We Pray "In Jesus' Name"?

What does it mean to add the phrase "in Jesus' name" after every prayer that we pray?  Is this some magic formula that brings to completion our request, or guarantees the answer that we want?  In fact, we don't see anyone using it in Scripture like we use it.  However, I must admit that I say it almost every time.  Jesus did not say to add this phrase at the end of our prayers either.

Christ did say, "Whatever you ask in my name I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son if you ask anything in my name, I will do it" (Jn. 14:13-14).  But what does this mean?

When we come in the name of someone else it means that another person has actually authorized us to come on his/her authority, not on our own authority.  Therefore, when we conclude our prayers by adding "in Jesus' name," we are offering prayer made by Jesus' authorization on the basis of His mediatorial work for us.  The name of Jesus Christ offers his authority and all of His character.  Wayne Grudem says, "Praying 'in Jesus' name' is not only praying in His authority, but also praying in a way that is consistent with his character, that truly represents him and reflects his manner of life and his own holy will."  So in essence, to pray "in Jesus' name" is to pray according to His will and His holy character.

In Acts 3:6, Peter commands the lame man, "in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk", he is speaking on the authority of Jesus Christ and not his own.  The religious rulers often asked the disciples, by what authority do you speak and do these miracles?

Does this mean that it is wrong to add that long-standing adage ("in Jesus' name) that we are so comfortable saying after each prayer?  I don't believe so at all.  However, the danger is that it becomes a mere formula or ritual to complete what we want to communicate.  Could we pray and conclude with just "amen"--certainly?  Christ is our Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5) and He has made  provisions for us to enter the throne-room of God (Hebrews 6:19-20).  We never come on our own merit but on the merits of Jesus Christ.  Our hearts must always realize that it is our Savior, Jesus Christ, that allows all petitions and requests to be made possible.  It is by His name that we have access to God the Father!

Here is an interesting thought.  How did the Old Testament saints pray or communicate with God?  Did they know about this formula ("in Jesus' name")?  I believe they prayed to God through the sacrificial system that He established for them and that it was based on the future work of Christ that foreshadowed that system (Romans 3:19-26).  Prayer is personally communicating with God and it is made possible only through the work of Jesus Christ.