What to Pray 8 - Your Name

Honour and Respect your Name

If I honour and respect Him I will keep away from sin (Proverbs 16:6).

What's in a name?
Name refers to character, reputation.

I recall reading a survey of atheists which showed that the 'god' they don't believe in is Satan (i.e. using their character of God assumptions)!

God gave Moses a very clear instruction and warning not to misuse His name (Exodus 20v7).

So what is the name of the Biblical God?

In Hebrew it is יְהֹוָה (JHWH) - common vocalizations / translations being Jehovah, Jahweh, I AM, LORD (note small capitals).

Its the name God gave in response to Moses' question "What is your name?" (Exodus 3:13-15).

So how does God's name define His character?
The word LORD can imply some hard whip yielding task master.
"I AM" is not too helpful. However, reminds me of -
    Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

The name Jehovah is often combined with other words, which bring out attributes of God, such as:

  • Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner)
  • Jehovah-Raah (The Lord My Shepherd)
  • Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Heals)
  • Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There)
  • Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness)
  • Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You)
  • Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)
  • Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace)
  • Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts)

A number of people have put those words to music. See this example.

St John declared "God is love" (John 4:8).
St Paul expands on this further in 1 Corinthians 13 and putting them together we get:

  • God is patient
  • God is kind
  • God does not envy
  • God does not boast
  • God is not proud
  • God does not belittle (dishonour)
  • God is not self seeking
  • God is not easily angered
  • God keeps no record of wrongs
  • God does not delight in evil
  • God rejoices with the truth
  • God protects (you)
  • God trusts (you)
  • God hopes (in you)
  • God perseveres (with you)
  • God never fails

Satan does not tick any of those boxes!

What God do you not believe in?
If you seek JHWH / Jehovah / Jahweh / Jesus he promises to be found by you (Jeremiah 29:13).
Jesus promised "Ask, Seek, Knock and it will be given" (Matthew 7:7).
So go on, take the challenge and "Ask, Seek, Knock"!

What, no response!
Don't worry - give God a dig in the side with your elbow* tomorrow, the day after tomorrow and...

* How I pray - you can see I am no expert. You don't need to be an expert to pray and be heard (or felt)!

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