A non-member friend questioned me about the way we close our prayers. He doesn't understand why we close "in the name of Jesus Christ," and thinks we are using His name without proper authority or permission.

It appears that your friend hasn't read the Bible very carefully. The Savior himself taught: "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:23-24)

Then, in the Book of Mormon we find the following scriptures:

3 Nephi 18:19, 21

"Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name; ... Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed. ..."

3 Nephi 19:6

"And the twelve did teach the multitude; and behold, they did cause that the multitude should kneel down upon the face of the earth, and should pray unto the Father in the name of Jesus."

So, as you can see the Savior himself authorized us--or more accurately, commanded us--to pray in his name.

This essay is published as a support for and an extension of classroom discussion and in no way represents an official statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or its General Authorities. Dr. Marcus H. Martins assumes full responsibility for the opinions, views, and interpretations contained herein.