Before people begin to read the Bible in the "church" that I attend, most people say or pray "in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit" or some say "in the name of the trinity". My question is do we have to say such a prayer or recite that every time we are going to read the Bible? I thought we had to end every prayer with "in the name of Jesus, amen!" every time.
Answer
There is no formula that the Bible says you must use when reading the scripture, or saying a prayer for that matter. Paul does say, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:17) Rather than going around all day saying “in Jesus name” for everything we do, it seems to be saying that everything we do should be by his authority and to his glory. Whether we use any formula out loud, silently, or just by the way we live, we should be doing everything for God.
The only time that “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” might be a designated formula would be when one is immersed (baptized) for forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:19). This has even led some to say that a person must be immersed three times (once in each name). However, I don’t think this passage even mandates that this be said out loud. The phrase “in the name of” means “by the authority of.” (As in, “stop, in the name of the law.”) You can act by the authority of God, his Son, and his word without ever speaking it out loud.
There is nothing wrong with speaking such a formula while praying or reading the scripture. It may even help to remind some people of the importance of what is being said. Care should be taken that it not become a meaningless repetition. Care should also be taken that it not become a magical incantation that makes something especially holy.