"In the name of..."

I say "... in Jesus' name, Amen" verbatim, wrote, mindlessly, everytime I say a formal prayer, because - why? Because, that's what I heard, that's what I learned, it's a habit.
Yes, it's biblical (John 14:13) But, how many times we just spout it off, as thoughtlessly as we say "Amen." so we can eat. But, today, I saw it differently, I got the revelation of the power of saying something "In the name of" someone else...
Think of it this way, when you request something IN THE NAME of someone more powerful than you, you evoke all the power that they hold on your behalf. You call into play, who they are, what they have done, and suddenly whatever you're saying has incredible backing.

I see an illustration something like this,

I am a poor foot soldier, unknown to the King.

My nation is deep in war with an opposing rival. Our General has died in battle.

He was known, decorated, honored and respected and his name will live on in the history of my people. He had the strategy, he had the plan that would carry our war torn people to victory. But, after his death the king has been silent.

The king has no reason to heed any word of urging, begging, pleading,

any plan that would come from my mouth.

But, I stand before him and I urge him to take a stance,

to remember our great fallen leader, to rally his army to victory...

I don't urge him in my voice alone because I ask IN THE NAME of one greater than myself. Suddenly, the stakes have changed and the kings men hold their breathe in wait to see if the king will honor one who sacrificed his life for our cause...

When I initially saw this senerio, I wasn't thinking God was the king, and Jesus the general, but that even in human relations this law is still in effect. Names carry reputation and they carry power. So, the fact that I ask things in "Jesus' name" is... amazing. It means alot.
Because Jesus humbled himself, "God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name." Phil 2:9 NIV
The NAME OF JESUS evokes all of His authority on our behalf. We are co-heirs with Christ (we are! Us, little tiny us!), it's amazing we even have the right to use his name.
Next time I say "In Jesus' name, Amen", I want to actually think about what I'm saying, about what that means. The One who was before all things, in all things, the One who holds it all together, I pray in THAT name.