Is invoking blessings upon the Prophet by saying, "O Allah, bless Muhammad and the Family of Muhammad," deficient, and what is the best way to invoke blessings upon the Prophet?

Praying upon the Prophet is one of the greatest acts of closeness to Allah. The best forms of sending prayers upon him are those he taught his companions in the Tashahhud, and they are two forms:

1. "O Allah, send Your prayers upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your prayers upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim; You are indeed Worthy of Praise, Full of Glory. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim; You are indeed Worthy of Praise, Full of Glory." 2. "O Allah, send Your prayers upon Muhammad and his wives and his descendants, as You sent Your prayers upon the family of Ibrahim, and bless Muhammad and his wives and his descendants, as You blessed the family of Ibrahim; You are indeed Worthy of Praise, Full of Glory."

It is recommended to alternate between these reported forms, and it is not legislated to combine and conflate them. As for outside of prayer, any wording that conveys the meaning of sending prayers upon him is sufficient, but it is better to combine sending prayers and salutations.