Q&A: Who should we direct prayers to? Generally to the Father (Matthew 6:6), but praying to Jesus or the Holy Spirit is acceptable. "In Jesus' name" is not a required phrase — you pray through Christ whether you say it or not because he is your mediator.

Scripture's general pattern is prayer to the Father. Jesus taught pray to the Father in Matthew 6. But there are examples of praying to Jesus. "In Jesus' name" means praying through Christ as mediator — it's true every time a believer prays, whether the phrase is spoken or not.