Should We End Prayers with <em>‘In Jesus’ Name’</em> and <em>‘Amen’?</em>

Should We End Prayers with ‘In Jesus’ Name’ and ‘Amen’?

Have you ever wondered why we often end prayers with these words? For many, these are just traditions, like a final stamp on a letter to God.

However, while translating the Bible texts, we’ve noticed that the Bible never once records anyone ending their personal prayers with these phrases.

Yes, zero times!

Also, most modern Christians don’t really know what these phrases mean.

Most Misunderstand ‘In Jesus’ Name’

Although Christians commonly end their prayers by saying ‘in Jesus’ name’, ‘through Christ our Lord’, or similar phrases, never once is any example of this recorded in the Bible.

The idea appears to be based on a misunderstanding of what a ‘name’ means in the ancient Bible languages. Back then, a ‘name’ meant much more than a simple label. It actually encompassed many things:

Their pronounced name
Their reputation
Their character
Their interests
Their goals
And so on…

We do occasionally still have this wider meaning in English. For example, an historical movie may have a character say:

‘I order you to surrender in the name of the King!’

In this sense, the King’s ‘name’ means his authority.

However, this wider meaning is usually lost on modern Bible readers. So they misunderstand several verses talking about asking for things ‘in Jesus’ name’, starting with John 14:13-14:

‘…I’ll do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son can glorify the Father. Yes, whatever you ask of me in my name, I’ll do…’

Also John 15:16 says:

‘whatever you might ask from the Father in my name, He’ll give to you!’

And finally John 16:23:

‘…if you ask the Father for anything thereafter, He’ll give it to you in my name.’

This sounds like a simple formula for using a name like an incantation or magical spell to get whatever you want. Indeed, that’s how some people interpret it. However, that’s the narrow modern perspective. The fuller ancient meaning was to ask for something that would rightly honor and represent that person’s interests, goals, and character. Yes, something that would seem good when done in someone else’s name.

In other words, when you pray to God and ask Him to direct Jesus to do something for you, it should be something that would honor Jesus’ interests, reflect well on his character, and help him to acheive his goals. It should be something that would reflect well on him if done in his name.

So, for example, praying to win the lottery is unlikely to reflect well on Jesus’ character, or name.

Therefore, asking for something in Jesus’ name was never about merely adding the words ‘in Jesus’ name’ onto the end of your prayer. It was about the content of your prayer being in harmony with his interests, goals, and character.

Does the Bible Tell Us to End Prayers with Amen?

Now, what about ‘Amen’?

The word ‘Amen’ is a Hebrew term that, interestingly enough, was never truly translated into any other language. In English, the Hebrew word was simply anglicized, meaning it was made to sound more English. In Greek, you’d pronounce it ah-main.

Why wasn’t it translated? Well, it seems scholars of old were a bit hesitant, almost as if they feared changing a word that has an almost magical power to ensure that God hears prayers.

In our translation, we translate it literally to say what it means: ‘May it be so’.

Here’s the more surprising part: the Bible contains no record of anyone ending a personal prayer with ‘Amen’. Think about that for a moment! This might surprise you, given how prevalent the practice is today.

It’s a different story when it comes to group prayers. The Bible does tell us that ‘Amen’ was likely used at the end of congregational prayers. For instance, at 1 Corinthians 14:16, the apostle Paul mentions that those listening to a congregational prayer would say ‘Amen’ at the conclusion.

This serves two purposes:

It tells the audience that the prayer is over.
It allows the audience to show their agreement with the prayer by saying ‘Amen’ too.

However, outside of group prayers, most other uses of ‘Amen’ in the Bible — especially by Paul — have absolutely nothing to do with prayers! Instead, they function as exclamations to affirm that what the speaker is saying is true.

It’s like saying ‘absolutely!’ or ‘right on!’ in modern English.

So, Should You Still Say These Things?

Given all this, should Christians still end their prayers with ‘in Jesus’ name’ and ‘Amen’ (or ‘May it be so’)?

Honestly, it makes no real difference when it comes to personal prayers. There’s no specific instruction in the Bible commanding us to say these things, nor is there any rule against saying them.

Plus, let’s be real: God is certainly smart enough to know when we’ve finished talking to Him, no matter what we may or may not say! And if we ask God for things that don’t really honor Jesus or serve his purposes, we’re not going to persuade Him to grant our wish just because we add ‘in Jesus’ name’.

However, in public or congregational settings an audible ‘Amen’ when the prayer is over is undeniably useful. It allows those listening to express their agreement with the words spoken… Assuming, of course, that they do agree!