How To Conclude A Prayer

When we have a conversation with someone, whether face-to-face or on the phone, we always conclude it somehow. We may say goodbye to the person, tell them we’ll see them later, or bid them farewell some other way depending on the conversation. Since prayer is our way of conversing with God, have you ever wondered if our prayers require a certain type of conclusion? The truth is, ending a prayer is not really about how we do it—but the heart behind it.

Father in heaven, may I capture the heart behind prayer, that I am communing with You in Christ, who tore down the dividing wall of hostility between You and me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

In Jesus’ Name

You may have heard other people end a prayer by saying, “In Jesus’ name.” You may even conclude your own prayers this way. But do you know the meaning behind this phrase? It’s deeper than just a simple way to end a prayer. We say “In Jesus’ name” as we end a prayer to acknowledge that our prayers reach God only because of Christ. Remember that originally, we were sinners. We are far from God and before were even considered enemies of God (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21). It’s not that our prayers don’t reach God and that He cannot hear them, but rather that our sin places a separation between God and us (Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.).

 

After we came to Christ because of God’s mercy and grace, we were no longer enemies of God and separated from Him; the dividing wall of hostility between Him and us was torn down (Ephesians 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,). We are now brought close to God and were even adopted as His children (Galatians 4:4–5). Because of Christ, we can confidently approach His throne of grace and ask Him for the grace and mercy we need (Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.). This is not because of our merit but all because of the righteousness Christ imputed to us. We often end our prayers with the phrase “In Jesus’ name” because we know God listens to our prayers as His sons’ and daughters’ only because of Christ, who died for our sins. God looks at us with the same righteousness as Christ does, not because of us but because of Christ (Philippians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

 

Is the Phrase Necessary?

So, is it always necessary to say the phrase “In Jesus’ name” when concluding a prayer? Does failing to say it render our prayers invalid? Not necessarily. Though it is always best to end a prayer with this phrase, it doesn’t determine a prayer’s value. It is all about the heart. A Christlike heart acknowledges and comes to God in prayer from the position of humility, knowing that he or she can only pray as a son or daughter would do to a Father because of Christ.

If we pray from such a posture, God understands us even if we don’t end our prayer with “In Jesus’ name.” At times, we are met with such overwhelming problems that we might forget and instead end our prayer with something like “LORD, give me strength.” Such prayers are fine.

However, it is also important to note that there are prayers in which saying “In Jesus’ name” is essential, like when praying from a position of victory and power. These virtues are not ours but Christ’s, who rules over everything and has subjected everything under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:26–28). In these cases, we should end our prayer for humility and submission to God’s will and infinite wisdom. Especially in prayers where we trust in God for something, we pray not for our will but for God’s will to be done, just as Christ prayed (Luke 22:42  Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.).

Father in heaven, I thank You because we have the privilege to come to Your throne of grace and present our concerns, thanksgiving, things we hope for, and things we want to pour out to You, not just as our King whom we revere, but also as our Father. It is all because of Christ’s work on the cross, and it is only through Him and in Him that we are confident we can come to Your throne. As I believe in You for many things, in the end, I pray not for my will but for Yours to be done. I know that Your will is always good for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

While we are to respect and revere God as we pray, prayer is not just about formalities like how you should conclude it. Prayer is a conversation with our heavenly Father coming from a humble heart, and we are able to approach Him all because of Christ.