We look upon prayer simply as a means of getting things for ourselves, but the biblical purpose of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself.
—OSWALD CHAMBERS1
There’s a unique dance of sorts that occurs between new friends. (For my traditional Baptist readers, be advised the use of “dance” here is a figure of speech, so just calm down.) In this dance, you’re finding out what you have in common, picking up subtle hints about likes and dislikes, and in general, paving the way for this newfound relationship. But if you’re like me, not all of your friendships are on an even keel. That pavement may be seriously lopsided by those friends who tend to dominate the relationship. One talks more, one has more crises, one is more demanding—any of this sounding familiar?
Picture this: You have a friend. You spend a lot of time with this friend whenever she’s in town. You talk on the phone several times a week. You do lunch together when you can. But when I ask you to tell me about your friend, mostly you tell me about the hours you’ve spent on the phone with her or the many lunches or dinners you’ve shared.
“What are her hobbies?” I ask.
You pause. “You know, I’m not really sure.”
“What are her passions?” I ask.
You pause again. “That’s a good question. I’m not sure.”
“Well,” I begin, “what do you know about her?”
You tilt your head and look away, as if deep in thought. “Come to think of it, the only thing I do know is that she likes to hang out with me. And she lets me do most of the talking. I guess you could say she’s a good listener. You might have noticed I like to talk a lot!” You laugh, amused at your own wittiness. Then you get that look of understanding in your eyes. “I’ve always thought of her as one of my best friends, but I guess it’s a rather one-sided friendship. Strange, huh?”
“Definitely strange. And a bit sad, don’t you think?”
“Yes. Maybe even pathetic.”
Is that a tear I see in your eye?
“Well surely you can tell me her name, right?”
When you tell me her name, I recognize it immediately because she’s one of my best friends! I begin to tell you about her beautiful oil paintings, many depicting scenes of her world travels.
“She paints? She’s traveled the world?” you marvel. “I wondered why she was out of town so much, but I guess I never thought to ask.”
I continue, telling you about her volunteer work at the children’s hospital and the many children’s books she’s written and illustrated.
“You’re kidding, right?” you ask. I detect a note of cynicism.
“And I’m guessing you probably don’t know that she’s also a pilot. She flies supplies to missionaries in Central America twice a year. You should hear some of her stories,” I say, looking off as I remember a tale about a mongoose on a Dominican runway . . .
“I wonder why she never told me those things?”
I study your expression. “Well, did you ever ask?”
You tilt your head again, squinting your eyes as you search your memory. “Uh . . . well, that’s odd. I don’t ever remember asking her much of anything.”
I stare at you. “You should really get to know her. She’s the most interesting person I’ve ever known.”
You look at your watch. “Yikes! I’m late for my pedicure. Good to see you again, Sherry!”
As you rush away down the sidewalk, I drop my head with a heavy sigh. “Sarah. My name is Sarah.”
Very funny, right? Not really. I actually know people like that. You probably do too. But let’s put this discussion in a spiritual realm. If you’ve given your heart to God, trusting in His son Jesus Christ as your Savior, then you have a relationship with Him. We’ve already talked about how much He desires a personal relationship with you. But as Dr. Phil often asks, “How’s that workin’ out for ya?”
In all fairness, it’s a little awkward, this relationship—what with you being human and Him being God of the Universe. At first blush, it’s intimidating. Really, really intimidating. Granted, we can never know all there is to know about God because our little human brains and hearts cannot fully comprehend at that level of understanding. But don’t let that stop you from getting to know Him as best you can.
Roll your sleeves up and put some effort into this, okay? Besides, I’ve got a wonderful secret that will help get you started.
The Names of God
Years ago I did a study on the names of God. I wasn’t sure why I needed to learn about these specific names. I think I was mostly curious. I figured as long as I called Him God, Lord, or Father, and called His son Jesus, Christ, or Savior, I had all my bases covered. But I kept hearing people using those other names, so I decided to look into the subject and check it out.
One of the books I studied was Lord, I Want to Know You by Kay Arthur of Precept Ministries. Listen to why Kay Arthur suggests studying the names of God.
In biblical times, a name represented a person’s character. God’s name represents His character, His attributes, His nature. To know His name is to know Him. To boast in His name is to have confidence in who He is! 2
Wow. Who knew that studying these Greek and Hebrew names of God could reveal so much more about the character of God? It was like getting to know Him at a much deeper level than I ever imagined. The list below is by no means complete, but I want to share a few of these special names with you. My heart’s desire is for these to spark a yearning in your soul to get to know God better, and by doing so, have a more personal prayer life with Him.
EL SHADDAI—Lord God Almighty;
The God Who Is Sufficient for the Needs of His People
I will forever hear Amy Grant’s version of the song “El Shaddai” whenever I read or hear this particular name of God. El Shaddai. My all-sufficient God who is able to handle all my needs. Everything I will ever need I can find in Him. Think about that for a moment. Do you sense the power He offers us in those words? There is nothing, absolutely nothing in your life that He cannot handle. I wonder if it’s possible for us to ever fully grasp the complete stress-free life He makes available to us when He promises, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9). What would that look like in your life? And how would it affect your prayer life?
ABBA—Father
I don’t want to be the one to break it to you, but the original meaning of the word “Abba” didn’t just pop up in the ‘70s with the Swedish singing group. In fact, to be precise, the singers came up with their group’s name by creating an acronym representing their four given names. So for now, my little dancing queen, put away your Mamma Mia CD and tune in to the one true Abba that offers so much more.
There is no more intimate name for God than Abba. The Aramaic word actually means “father,” and in some cultures the meaning is even more closely akin to “Daddy.” It’s a name that’s both heartfelt and warm and filled with respect. Just hours before His death, Jesus called out to His Father in prayer, “Abba Father, everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will” (Mark 14:36). We can call upon our Abba Father just as Jesus did, knowing the heart of the Father hears our every prayer.
EL ELYON—The Most High God
Sovereign and supreme, our Most High God is above all and over all. That pretty much covers everything, doesn’t it? Seriously, if all we knew of God was this one name and the incredible magnitude of its meaning, we would never again know the meaning of worry. By understanding God’s sovereignty—His absolute control over everything—we can live our lives in the utter security of trusting Him. It means we recognize the fact that nothing can happen to us without His permission. Look at what Colossians 1:16-17 has to say on this attribute of God’s character.
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
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What is it you worry about most? What are the things that sometimes grip your soul and render you all but useless because you can’t let go of them? By calling on El Elyon, you can begin to trust the One who knows far better how to deal with your yesterdays, your todays, and all your tomorrows. Such absolute confidence can add a whole new dimension to your prayer life as you come before El Elyon, your Most High God.
JEHOVAH—Self-Existent One: I AM WHO I AM
Most of us are familiar with the name Jehovah, probably because it’s the name used for God more than any other—more than 6800 times in the Old Testament alone. Remember the story of the burning bush? Quite an attention getter there, that burning bush . . . In the midst of it, God explained to Moses that He had heard the cry of His people and was going to deliver them out of the hands of the Egyptians and bring them into the Promised Land. He instructed Moses to go before Pharaoh to plead on behalf of his people. But Moses was a wee bit hesitant, as you might imagine. Can’t you just see him hold up his hands, “Who, me? Are you kidding?”
Then Moses asked what to tell his people about all this if they should ask who sent him. Here’s the Lord’s response.
God said to Moses, “I am who I am. . . . Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.”
—Exodus 3:14-15
The name Jehovah, or Yahweh, means self-existing. He was never created, has always been, and will forever remain. The Alpha and the Omega. When all around us life in this old world makes no sense, we have the everlasting promises of our Jehovah. We can come boldly before our Jehovah God in prayer because of those promises!
ELOHIM—The Creator
El means strength and unlimited power—two characteristics definitely required for the One who would speak all of life into existence. But what’s especially interesting is the fact this Hebrew name for God is actually plural, designated by the -him ending, which implies three or more. Isn’t that cool? So when the first verse in the Bible, Genesis 1:1, uses this word, it more literally means “In the beginning Three-in-one-God created the heavens and the earth”—referring to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Meaning, on page one of God’s word He tells us exactly who He is!
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”—Revelation 4:11
All creation originated in Him. And unlike those who believe life began amidst some big bang or explosion, somehow just falling perfectly into place, we know that our Elohim had a plan and purpose for everything He created. That includes you and me. What is His purpose for you and me? We were created for Him. Each of us was given unique talents and interests and abilities, all for the purpose of glorifying God.
So tell me, how does such knowledge affect the way you’ll pray to Elohim, your Creator?
JEHOVAH RAPHA—The Lord Our Healer
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). I love this verse. I’ve prayed it over and over for those who are hurting, those suffering a debilitating depression or physical trauma, and even for myself in times of need. God can heal the spirit, mind, and body. He’s also keenly aware of the sin that corrupts our world, and He makes the following promise.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
—2 Chronicles 7:14
The subject of healing is often difficult for us as humans to wrap our minds around. Why is one healed and another not? If God is all powerful as Jehovah-Rapha, then He is able to heal everyone. So why doesn’t He? This side of heaven, we will never know the answers to such questions. Still, because He loves us so much, we know we can trust Him—even with our inability to understand or comprehend His ways.
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH—The Lord Is There
He is everywhere. He is omniscient and omnipresent. He knows everything far beyond our human capacity to know. After Moses died, God called upon Joshua to lead His people into the Promised Land. Now, as they were about to cross the Jordan River, God promised to protect them with His presence.
No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you.
—Joshua 1:5
For you and me, just knowing His presence is all around us can help lift us from the darkest night, embrace us in the loneliest hour, give us strength when we are tempted, and enable us to live confident and secure in His promises.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
—Psalm 139:7-10
ADONAI—Lord and Master
This name of God indicates a relationship. If He is indeed my Lord and Master, that means I must submit to Him in every area of my life. These days we cringe when we hear the word submission. We associate it with giving in and being weak. But by getting to know who He is, by digging into His Word and spending time with Him, we quickly learn that He is more than worthy of being our Lord and Master. If you knew without question that He would care for your every need, fight for you, protect you, and cherish you, would you hesitate to give yourself completely to Him? To submit to His lordship with your heart, soul, and body? Well, then, good news! The Bible is packed with promises that He’ll do just that.
But once again, let me remind you that His being Lord is less about your needs being cared for and entirely about Him being worshipped and honored. It’s the relationship. I bow to Him because He is My Lord and Master.
JEHOVAH-JIREH—The Lord Will Provide
One of the most heart-wrenching stories in the Bible is found in Genesis 22. God tells Abraham to take his only son, Isaac, to offer him as a burnt offering. I don’t know about you, but I’m quite certain that I wouldn’t have been able to follow the Lord’s request to sacrifice one of my children. Yet scripture tells us that Abraham did as he was told, following God’s instructions even up to the point where he bound Isaac, laid him on top of the wood on the altar, then raised the knife to slay him.
Try to visualize Isaac’s reaction: the wild fear in his eyes as he searches his father’s face for some semblance of understanding, the brokenhearted sadness he surely found there in his father’s countenance. I cannot fully grasp the depth of this scenario no matter how many times I read it and regardless of the fact that I know how the story ends. I always hold my breath at this point in the story, with Abraham’s arms stretched above him, his hands firmly grasping his knife, ready to take his son’s life . . . until the Lord cries out, “Abraham! Abraham!” and rescinds His command.
Abraham has proven worthy, willing to sacrifice his only son for God. In return, God provided a ram for him to sacrifice in place of Isaac. Can’t you feel the overwhelming relief that must have washed over him? Don’t you wonder how Isaac felt about this “test” between God and his father? Just think about that for a moment.
Perhaps like you, I’ve heard and read this story many, many times in my life. Yet it still gives me goosebumps. But I also see the unforgettable, visual portrayal of God’s love for us as it parallels the son He gave up on our behalf. Jesus was the sacrificial lamb who died to save us! And He did so willingly: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord Will Provide. To me, this is the name that reveals more than any other the depth of God’s love for us. But God not only makes provision for our salvation, He also provides for all of our needs. He sees our needs, He knows the
m even before we do, and He wants us to call upon Him for each and every one of them. Philippians 4:19 says, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (NKJV).
I’m not sure what it says about me (don’t analyze me, bro), but this is one of my favorite names of God. Whether I’m praying for others or for a need in my own life, I call upon Jehovah-Jireh. What a privilege to know He’s the one who extended the invitation to me to come to Him for my every need. What amazing grace!
More Names of God
I hope by now you’ve caught a glimpse of the astounding characteristics of God through the study of His names. There are many more, of course, and I invite you to make a personal commitment to study these further. Here are a few more to whet your appetite.
EL ROI—The God Who Sees
EL OLAM—The Everlasting God
JEHOVAH-SHALOM—The Lord Our Peace
JEHOVAH-SABAOTH—The Lord of Hosts
JEHOVAH-RAAH—The Lord My Shepherd
JEHOVAH-NISSI—The Lord My Banner
JEHOVAH-MEKODDISHKEM—The Lord Who Sanctifies You
So go ahead. Treat yourself. Spend some time getting to know your Lord God Jehovah, your Abba Father, your El Shaddai, your Adonai.