Is it necessary to pray "In Jesus' name" every time?

Question

I believe Jesus' died for my sins, and that if it wasn't for His sacrifice, I would not have access to the Father to hear my prayers.

So, can I pray to the Father without having Jesus in mind every time?

Answer 1

Not necessarily (to the question in bold); at least not literally.

The idea is that the person praying must acknowledge Jesus Christ as his "High Priest" and the mediator between God and men (of course, that requirement could only apply to person with some knowledge of Christ).

(Ephesians 5:20) In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ giving thanks always for all things to our God and Father.

(Colossians 3:17) And whatever it is that you do in word or in work, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, thanking God the Father through him.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18) In connection with everything give thanks. For this is the will of God in union with Christ Jesus respecting you.

(James 4:17) If one knows how to do what is right and yet does not do it, it is a sin for him.


While it seems obvious that a respectful prayer would mention Christ at least briefly (out of reverence for his role), the bible also makes it plain that both God and Christ are merciful and forgiving and especially tolerant of those with good records of faithful service. A momentary forgetfulness or slip of the tongue would hardly seem to disqualify one from the privilege of prayer, but of course each incident and individual is for heaven to decide.

Interestingly, the bible also makes it clear that there may be times when a particular human prayer is incoherent, lacking enunciation but nevertheless emoting strong feelings. Jehovah God can "hear" such extra-lingual prayers.

(Romans 8:26-27) the [holy] spirit also joins in with help for our weakness; for the problem of what we should pray for as we need to we do not know, but the [holy] spirit itself pleads for us with groanings unuttered. Yet he who searches the hearts knows what the meaning of the spirit is, because it is pleading in accord with God for holy ones.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/rq/index.htm?article=article_07.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/19960715/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20020908a/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20000301/article_01.htm

Answer 2

I heard some other people use it so I figured that was the case. But now that I've had a relatiohsip with God for several years, I find myself seldom if ever tacking that onto my prayers. I think it's becuase I see my prayers as a conversation with god; not a formal letter of some kind.
However, when I'm asked to pray publicly in front of the church, I often do say "...in Jesus' name." Just to let everyone know the prayer has ended.

Answer 3

It's scriptural to Pray In the Name Of Jesus. Jesus said "No one comes unto the Father Except By Me"...

Answer 4

If you're a Christian, then that's part of the deal - that you pray in Jesus' name. It's not my personal belief, but I know that's what they believe, since that's how I was raised.

Answer 5

I end my prayers with "in Jesus' name amen"

Answer 6

If you are in Him, then when you pray you are in His name. You don't have to say it, that's works.

Answer 7

Jesus prayed to God, and he didn't end it by saying "in my name Amen..."

Answer 8

not if you're not a christian- G-d hear's everyone's prayers just fine without the other ending, thank you

Answer 9

Yes it is necessary......because we pray to God through Jesus who is our mediator...

Answer 10

It's not necessary to pray at all, since no gods exist and no gods can hear you - not even the one your parents told you was real.

If you only want christians to answer your questions, prefix them with "christians:"

P.S. Did you know that your jesus is just a rehash of earlier, cooler gods?
http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_jcpa5.htm
http://www.near-death.com/experiences/origen
http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_jcpa2.htm

http://www.geocities.com/paulntobin/jesus.html
http://www.jesusneverexisted.com/