Prayers - Closing in the name of Christ

[_MDesigns]

I read this a while back. It is a fictional dialog that makes quite a point - one that gave me a lot to think about. Maybe it will be meaningful to you too...

"QUESTION: I notice that each prayer and speech in the LDS church ends with the phrase "in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
ANSWER: That is correct?

QUESTION: Do you know when this tradition began?
ANSWER: I think it has been in the church from the beginning.

QUESTION: Not so. Read here the end of one of the most solemn prayers given by Joseph Smith as he dedicated the Kirkland Temple in D & C section 109 verse 80.
ANSWER: "And let these, thine anointed ones, be clothed with salvation, and thy saints shout aloud for joy. Amen, and Amen."

QUESTION: So how did Joseph end this prayer which is perhaps the most important one of his adult life?
ANSWER: Amen and Amen

QUESTION: Do you see it anywhere saying "In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen?"
ANSWER: No, I guess not.

QUESTION: Can you find any speech or prayer that Joseph ended with the phrase?
ANSWER: I'm not sure.

QUESTION: They were few and far between. Have you checked the Journal of Discourses for this phrase?
ANSWER: Not specifically.

QUESTION: It was used only once in a while by these early brethren. Do you know why it was used so sparingly?
ANSWER: I'm not sure.

QUESTION: It was because they were commanded to, maybe? Read D & C 63:61-64
ANSWER: "Behold, I am Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ. Wherefore, let all men beware how they take my name in their lips. For behold, verily I say, that many there be who are under this condemnation, who use the name of the Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority. Wherefore, let the church repent of their sins, and I, the Lord, will own them; otherwise they shall be cut off. Remember that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit; and in this there is no condemnation, and ye receive the Spirit through prayer; wherefore, without this there remaineth condemnation."

QUESTION: Some of the early brethren were under condemnation, but for what?
ANSWER: Using the name of Jesus Christ in vain, not having authority.

QUESTION: Now these men were given the standard priesthood authority through the laying on of hands, so what authority did they lack?
ANSWER: I'm not sure.

QUESTION: In verse 64 we are told what we must do to obtain authority. What is it?
ANSWER: We must speak the name with care and constraint of the Spirit.

QUESTION: And how do we receive the Spirit according to the scripture?
ANSWER: Through prayer

QUESTION: So would you agree that we receive authority to use the name through revelation from the Holy Spirit?
ANSWER: I suppose

QUESTION: Do you think that everyone who gives a talk or prayer in church receives a revelation to use the name of Jesus Christ?
ANSWER: I must admit that is doubtful.

QUESTION: Would you agree that most use it as a matter of habit without even checking with the Holy Spirit for permission?
ANSWER: Perhaps.

QUESTION: What does it say in verse 63 that God will do if the church does not repent of this sin and others?
ANSWER: We will be cut off.

QUESTION: Does this not concern you, then?
ANSWER: Not really. I'm sure the prophet will let us know when we are misusing the Lord's name.

QUESTION: But if you are "cut off" how can the prophet let you know anything concerning God's will?
ANSWER: (He has no answer)."

[_moksha]

Advocate: The Questioner is leading the witness, Your Honor.

Judge: Sustained, all in favor raise your hands to the square.