In Jesus' Name, Amen.

We often learn by osmosis; just the fact that we are around particular people, in a certain environment or culture we absorb details, facts, even mannerisms.  A boy will swing a hammer the same way his dad does, or a daughter will copy mom's way of doing housework or even putting on lipstick in a particular way.  We absorb what is modeled for us and it's no different in the church.

While studying a lesson for kids' church concerning prayer, I was trying to compose a teaching that was extremely simple, yet meaningful, that would help take away the mystique of praying—especially praying aloud.  It felt as though the kids were repeating things they had heard from parents or other adults without realizing what they were saying.

I asked them if they'd ever heard people saying (or shouting) "Amen."  Most of them said yes, but none could tell me what it actually meant, so we began right there, defining the word as: truly, or, so be it.  What a revelation that turned out to be—nobody under thirty really says truly or so be it anymore, either, but it felt good knowing they could say the word with a newfound comprehension.

What about, "In Jesus' Name?"
In the manner in which we normally hear it said, it almost sounds like a magic phrase like, "Bibbity, bobbity, boo."  No offense intended, it's only that people throw it in at the last second like an ending salutation on a business letter—sincerely yours, amen.

His Name is the authority by which we pray, ask or declare.  Jesus said, "All authority has been given to Me..." and "whatever you ask for in My Name I will do it..."

His Name assures that we will fix our desires on His will, not our own.  We can be confident that He hears us whenever we ask for things that please Him (1 John 5:14).

He receives glory when our prayers are answered.  As Christians we desire to bring honor to the Lord in our living, giving and serving, so when we talk about the things that He has done in our lives it brings glory to God.

Next time you use the phrase, "In Jesus' Name, Amen," think about its meaning and use it intentionally.