Editor's note: Enjoy today's devotion from A Woman’s Guide to Praying the Scriptures by Stormie Omartian.
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The Lord has many names in the Bible, and each one expresses an aspect of His nature or one of His attributes. When we acknowledge Him by those names, we invite Him to be those things to us. One of the reasons we do not have the wholeness, fulfillment, and peace we desire is that we have not acknowledged God as the answer to our every need.
We think, He may have given me eternal life, but I don’t know if He can handle my financial problems. Or we think, I know He can lead me to a better job, but I’m not sure if He can mend this marriage. Or, He healed my back, but I don’t know if He can take away my depression. The truth is, He is everything we need, and we have to remember that always. In fact, it’s good to tell yourself daily,
“God is everything I need,”
and then say the name of the Lord that answers your specific need at that moment.
- Do you need hope? He is called our Hope. Pray, “Jesus, You are my Hope.”
- Are you weak? He is called our Strength. Pray, “Jesus, You are my Strength.”
- Do you need advice? He is called Counselor. Pray, “Jesus, You are my Counselor.”
- Do you feel oppressed? He is called Deliverer. Pray, “Jesus, You are my Deliverer.”
- Are you lonely? He is called Companion and Friend. Pray, “Jesus, You are my Companion and Friend.”
Key Scripture
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. — Proverbs 18:10
Prepare to Pray
Below are thirty of the biblical names of the Lord. Read this list over, keeping in mind that God desires to be all these things to you. Every day you can choose at least one name that is applicable to your needs and frequently thank God that He is that for you. Acknowledging that He is these things is the first step toward the realization of His becoming them in your life. Keep in mind that everything about His personality is stronger than anything negative in yours.
Thirty Attributes of Jesus
1. He is my Restorer (Psalm 23:3).
2. He is my Helper (John 14:16).
3. He is my Strength (Isaiah 12:2).
4. He is my Redeemer (Isaiah 59:20).
5. He is my Hope (Psalm 71:5).
6. He is my Patience (Romans 15:5).
7. He is my Truth (John 14:6).
8. He is my Resting Place (Jeremiah 50:6).
9. He is my Overcomer (John 16:33).
10. He is my Light (John 8:12).
11. He is the Power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24).
12. He is my Bread of Life (John 6:35).
13. He is my Fortress (Psalm 18:2).
14. He is my Refuge from the Storm (Isaiah 25:4).
15. He is my Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6).
16. He is the Author of My Faith (Hebrews 12:2).
17. He is my Deliverer (Psalm 70:5).
18. He is my Counselor (Psalm 16:7).
19. He is my Peace (Ephesians 2:14).
20. He is my Rewarder (Hebrews 11:6).
21. He is my Healer (Malachi 4:2).
22. He is my Shield (Psalm 33:20).
23. He is my Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24).
24. He is my Purifier (Malachi 3:3).
25. He is my Hiding Place (Psalm 32:7).
26. He is my Shade from the Heat (Isaiah 25:4).
27. He is my Refiner (Malachi 3:2–3).
28. He is my Resurrection (John 11:25).
29. He is the Lifter of My Head (Psalm 3:3).
30. He is my Stronghold in the Day of Trouble (Nahum 1:7).
Study the Scriptures
- Read Matthew 1:23. What does “Immanuel” mean?
- Why is it significant that Jesus is present and with us?
- Glance back at the list of thirty attributes of Jesus. Which ones most resonate with you in this season of life?
- How can the list of Jesus’ attributes guide your prayer life? Which names do you need to include in your prayers?
Look up the following passages and consider how they relate to knowing God as the name who meets every need. How can you apply these truths to your own life?
Psalm 20:7
Psalm 124:8
Romans 10:13
Philippians 2:9–10
Hebrews 13:5–6
Respond to God’s Word
Are you quick to acknowledge Jesus’ lordship in your life? Certain guarantees and rewards are inherent in simply acknowledging the name of Jesus. For example, the Bible says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). There is a covering of protection over anyone who turns to the name of the Lord. The Bible says that if we acknowledge the name of the Lord, He will acknowledge us. And there is an intimacy that grows as long as this acknowledgment is sustained.
Pray the Scriptures
Jesus, thank You that You are Immanuel, God with us. Thank You that You are with me and You are everything I need. Jesus, Your Word says You are Truth. Guide me in Your truth (John 14:6). You are the Source of all wisdom, and I pray You will give me wisdom in all my circumstances (1 Corinthians 1:24). Father, You are the Author of my faith—and I pray You will increase my faith and empower me to walk the path You have for me (Hebrews 12:2). Please help me sense Your presence in a new way today.
Look over the scriptures you studied today and let them guide you as you write your own prayer that addresses your specific needs.
Excerpted with permission from A Woman’s Guide to Praying the Scriptures by Stormie Omartian, copyright Stormie Omartian.
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Your Turn
Which of the attributes of God do you need to hang onto today? He is with you and wants to be there for everything you need! Acknowledge His lordship over your life today! ~ Devotionals Daily