Asking in Jesus’ name does not mean to use His name as a formula; that would be a form of magic. You do not need to say “in Jesus’ name” at the end of your prayer. Jesus is not giving us a magical incantation to use. What it means to ask in His name is that our prayer must be in accordance with everything Jesus is, the whole essence of his being, all that His name stands for. Are we asking for something Jesus would ask for if He were in our place?

Note that Christ Himself will answer our prayers. That thought is extended in the next verse.

Note also that Jesus says that He will “do” whatever we ask in His name. Death did not stop Christ and neither does accomplishing the task for which His Father sent Him here. He is continuing to act in this world even today to accomplish His will. It should bring us a great deal of comfort to know that Jesus is actively working with us to fulfill the plan of God on planet earth. We are never alone and we are never without His help.