WLC Q.180: What is it to pray in the name of Christ?
To pray in the name of Christ is, in obedience to his command, and in confidence on his promises, to ask mercy for his sake; (John 14:13–14, John 16:24, Dan. 9:17) not by bare mentioning of his name, (Matt. 7:21) but by drawing our encouragement to pray, and our boldness, strength, and hope of acceptance in prayer, from Christ and his mediation. (Heb. 4:14–16, 1 John 5:13–15)