What does it mean to pray in Jesus' name?
Here's Jesus Himself using the phrase 'in my name':
Many will come in my name, saying 'I am He' and will lead many astray. (Mark 13:6)
Here's a very strong understanding of 'in my name'. Here to act "in Jesus' name" is to act as Jesus and to appear to others as Jesus.
Well now - Jesus Himself asks you to pray to the Father 'in His name' (John 14:13,14; 15:16; 16:23). So when you come to the Father, come as Jesus. Come as son, come as christ (anointed one). Call on God Most High with Jesus' own cry - 'Abba, Father' (Mark 14:36 <=> Gal 4:6). By the Spirit, you are so identified with the Son in prayer that you pray as Jesus. And the Father hears you as His very own Beloved. That's the magnitude of what Jesus invites us into when He calls us to pray in His name.
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Is that the same as this Q&A? -
What is it to pray in the name of Christ?
To pray in the name of Christ is, in obedience to his command, and in confidence on his promises, to ask mercy for his sake; not by bare mentioning of his name, but by drawing our encouragement to pray, and our boldness, strength, and hope of acceptance in prayer, from Christ and his mediation.
(if nobody else is going to comment :) )
Nice! What are catechisms for if not setting bloggers straight? ;-)