WHY PRAY THE NAMES OF GOD?

1. Praying The Names Of God

a) The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10.

b) In Hebrew and Greek, a personal name communicated something indispensable for distinguishing that person’s character and personality. All the many names of God present some aspect of His inexhaustible, awesome glory.

c) When God revealed Himself to man, He often used His name. He revealed His name in the Bible after people experienced Him in a deep way in response to their immediate need.

d) When man first began to worship, He called on the name of the LORD (Genesis 4:26).

e) He revealed Himself to Abraham as El Elyon, God Most High (Genesis 14:18), El Shaddai, God Almighty (Genesis 17:1), and Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord who provided the lamb (Genesis 22:14).

f) He revealed Himself to Hagar as El Roi, God who sees (Genesis 16:13).

g) He revealed Himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM,” Yahweh LORD (Exodus 3:14).

h) He revealed Himself to the people of Israel as Jehovah-Rapha (the Lord the Healer), as Jehovah-M’Kaddesh (the Lord my holiness), and as Jehovah-Nissi (the Lord my banner).

2. Why Pray The Names Of God?

a) We are obeying a command. “Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:3). We do what Jesus modeled. He said, “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name'” (Matthew 6:9). He taught us to give His Father the honor and worship He deserves. Knowing the names of God causes us to know the riches we have in Him, and we rejoice His heart when we know Him.

b) As you pray, focus on who God is. For every situation you are facing there is a name or attribute of God that corresponds to you need. When we proclaim who God is, we orient ourselves toward the one who has the legal jurisdiction, authority, power, and desire to intervene in our lives as the Sovereign one.

c) The names of God are:

i) Abba Father – Galatians 4:6.

ii) Balm of Gilead – Jeremiah 8:22.

iii) Comforter – 2 Corinthians 1:3.

iv) Deliverer – Psalm 18:2.

v) Everlasting God – Isaiah 40:28.

vi) Father of Mercy – 2 Corinthians 1:3.

vii) Good Shepherd – John 10:11-15.

viii) Holy One – Proverbs 9:10.

ix) Intercessor – Hebrews 7:25.

xi) Judge of the living and thedead – 1 Peter 4:5.

xii) King Eternal – 1 Timothy 1:17.

xiii) Light of revelation – Luke 2:32.

xiv) Man of sorrows – Isaiah 53:5.

xv) Never-failing One – Hebrews 13:5.

xvi) Offering for sin – Hebrews 10:14.

xvii) Potter – Isaiah 64:8.

xiii) Quieting Love – Zephaniah 3:17.

xix) Righteous – 1 Corinthians 1:30-31.

xx) Santification – 1 Corinthians 1:30-31.

xxi) Teacher – John 14:26.

xxii) Upholder of all things – Isaiah 41:13.

xxiii) Very present help – Psalm 46:1.

xxiv) The Way – John 14:6.

xxv) Exalted – Psalm 148:13.

xxvi) Your glory and lifter of your head – Psalm 3:3.

xxvii) Zealous – John 2:17.

d) Jesus said that making the Father’s name known is one of His continuing functions, so that we will love Him more and live in His abiding presence (John 17:26). Focus your attention on the overcoming God of the universe. Make it your ambition to glorify Him and enjoy Him in His many names. The King of kings wants you to personally know Him in all His fullness.