In the name of Jesus

What does it mean to pray in the name of someone? The sense that the Bible authors used it, was what the person stood for, the substance of their character, or their authority. . . . When we pray in the name of Jesus or baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, what we are doing is acting in their authority, in their stead, according to their command, and consistent with their desires. . . . There is power in praying in the authority of Jesus Christ, by the authority He has given you, consistent with His character, His desire, and His will. It's like when we say, "Stop in the name of the law." . . . It might be better for us to start our prayers with that phrase instead of ending it. STR