Is it necessary to say ‘In Jesus’ name I pray’ throughout the day as we have these little conversations with God? Not long prayers, but with words here and there as we think of someone to pray for or maybe a little later we think of something else we want to talk with God about. I pray a lot during the day, just little chats, but sometimes I forget to say ‘In Jesus’ name I pray, and I wonder if God hears my prayers if I do not go through Jesus.
Intentionally unconfessed sin will prevent the Lord from hearing your prayers. We get the idea of praying in Jesus’ name from John 14:13 “And I will do whatever you ask for in my name so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” This doesn’t mean that if you fail to ask in Jesus’ name that He won’t hear you. It was an assurance to the disciples that they (and we) could count on His support.
Use the conversations you have with a best friend as your guide in your conversations with the Lord. With a best friend, you’re open, honest, and casual, and don’t feel the need to maintain any kind of ritualistic formality. So it should be with Him.