Praying the Names of God - October 4
From Praying the Names of God Week Sixteen, Day Five
The Name
Shem is the Hebrew word for "name" (the "Ha" before it is the definite article). The Bible speaks of Solomon's temple in Jerusalem as the place where God's name would dwell—the place where his people could pray and be heard. Jesus himself prayed that the Father would glorify his name through him. He also promised to do whatever we ask in his name. Philippians 2:9-10 affirms that God has exalted Jesus and given him "the name that is above every name."
Key Scripture
Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, "My Name shall be there," so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. (1 Kings 8:28-29)
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Friday
PROMISES ASSOCIATED WITH GOD'S NAME
Mercy, protection, blessing—these are the concrete promises, the gifts that belong to everyone who loves God's name. If you love his name, God will always hear your prayers. He will sooner or later help you find a way out of trouble. He will grant mercy enough for your failings. Loving God's name means upholding his reputation by reflecting his character, by trusting him, and by praying in a way that
acknowledges his nature—that he is full of power, love, goodness, and faithfulness. God's name holds so many blessings for the faithful that it's no wonder the psalmist exhorts us to rejoice in God's name all day long (see Psalm 89:16-17).
Promises in Scripture
"Because he loves me," says the LORD,"I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him." (Psalm 91:14-15)
Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as you always do to those who love your name. (Psalm 119:132)
The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in his ways.Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will fear you.The LORD will grant you abundant prosperity—in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground—in the land he swore to your forefathers to give you. (Deuteronomy 28:9-11)
Continued Prayer and Praise
Pray that God will get the glory for every good thing you do. (Psalm 115:1)
Pray God's name when you wake in the middle of the night. (Psalm 119:55)
Call on the name of the Lord for help in the midst of difficulty. (Psalm 124:8)
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Meet your spiritual ancestors as they really were: Less Than Perfect: Broken Men and Women of the Bible and What We Can Learn from Them.
