If you have caller ID service on your telephone, whenever it rings, you look to see whose name and number is on the display. If it’s someone that you value, or if you’re waiting for the call, you immediately answer it. But if the number or the name is unfamiliar, you probably won’t answer or you’ll be very hesitant when you do, because you don’t have a relationship.

It is like that with prayer. Jesus told us to pray using his name. When we pray “in Jesus’ name” it gives us access to God in a way that otherwise we wouldn't have. It demonstrates to God that we have a relationship with Jesus, his son. You see, prayer is not reciting magic words, it’s communication with God that is based upon relationship.