Prayer Week 31: The Power of a Name

What’s in a name? It used to be very common, especially in some cultures, to be very careful and intentional about choosing baby names, and some still carry that belief. For some it is less of a superstition and more a way of blessing their child. They might be named for a dear friend or relative, an historical figure who possessed a quality they valued, or have a meaning that is particularly special to them. For example, the name I chose to write under means “light on a hill” in Gaelic, which is my purpose for writing. While all of these things are nice and special, is there really any power in a name?

 

Psalm 9:10 New American Standard Bible 1995

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Jeremiah 33:2-3 New American Standard Bible 1995 (emphasis added)

Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it, the Lord is His name, ‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

Matthew 1:21 New American Standard Bible 1995

She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.

John 20:30-31 New American Standard Bible 1995

Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

Acts 2:38 New American Standard Bible 1995

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

 

There is only one name that truly has power: the name of Jesus. Because He is God, his name carries with it an inherent power that will send the enemy scrambling. It can bring light into the darkest hole and peace to the most troubled heart. It even has the power to bend the will, for one day at the name of Jesus every knee will bow. This is not some theoretical fluff. It is true and real. Speaking the name of Jesus audibly has power. The other names of God can also have power in our situations:

 

Refiner

Malachi 3:3 New American Standard Bible 1995

He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness.

God With Us

Matthew 1:23 New American Standard Bible 1995

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.

The Light

John 1:9 New American Standard Bible 1995

There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.

Bread of Life

John 6:35 New American Standard Bible 1995

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.”

Good Shepherd

John 10:11 New American Standard Bible 1995

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Teacher and Lord

John 13:13 New American Standard Bible 1995

You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am.

The Vine

John 15:5 New American Standard Bible 1995

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

 

 

Each of these names is significant and portrays part of God’s character. They can have power in our lives, not as much as the name Jesus, but to encourage our hearts and remind us of His character and the promises He has made to us. Knowing the names of God helps us to know God Himself, and using them in prayer deepens our relationship with Him.

 

This week as you pray focus on one of these names each day. Think about what that names means to you this day in this circumstance. What promise does it hold for you? Let Him show you your need or desire illuminated by that name. Let this week enrich your prayer life and relationship with God.

 Prayer points taken from Praying Through Adversity by Jennifer Kennedy Dean.