If you’ve spent any time praying in your life, you’ve probably ended your prayers with the phrase, “In Jesus’ name.” Most of us say this out of habit without really thinking about what that means or why we close our prayers that way. The most common reason we end prayers in Jesus’ name is because He told us to pray in His authority (John 14:12–14). But ending prayers with the name of Jesus is also appropriate for another reason—since He is our ultimate example of what real prayer looks like, it’s only fitting that a prayer that stems from His example should end in His name.

Over the next 28 days, we’re going on a journey together into prayer. We’ll explore its many dynamics: what the Bible says about it, why we so desperately need it, how we can use it, how it brings us closer to the Father and many other principles. Each day begins with a passage of scripture, followed by an inspiring devotional thought and ends with practical tips and a prayer to help you activate the devotional’s subject in your own prayer life.

As you go through this devotional, our prayer is that you’ll grow to understand that prayer is one of the most crucial elements to walking in an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. We have a great adventure ahead of us, and we pray you’ll become closer to God than you ever thought possible as you discover how to live a powerful life of prayer.

—In Jesus’ name, Amen.