Musing – How best to address God more effectively in our prayers?

 

Hebraic Musing – How best to address God more effectively in our prayers?

God took great pains to reveal His name to us throughout Scripture.  What might we learn from the fact that He has many names?  For example, you and I are each called by a number of different names or titles, depending on the need, reason or purpose for which we are being called.  You might be known as Dad, Mom, Brother, Sister, Son, Cousin, Captain, Boss, Buddy, etc.  

We already call upon God using many names depending on needs, reason, purpose and circumstance.  For example – Jesus, Christ, Father, Savor, Redeemer, King (of Kings), Lord, Deliverer, etc.   Our all-powerful God is also called by many more names, depending on the purpose, need or relationship.  Here’s some more classic examples of God’s names by which He is identified and addressed in the Bible:    

Abba                            “Daddy” God                       Mark 14:36     “Abba, Father, ”He (Jesus) said, “. . .

Jehovah Jireh               The Lord Will Provide          Gen22:13-18   Daddy brings home the bacon.

Jehovah                       God who was, always be       Gen 2:4a          “He’s always there for me” (ideally)

El Elyon                      Most High, Strongest One     Gen 14:18-22  “My daddy’s better than your daddy!”

Elohim                         Plurality of God                    Gen.1:1           “In the beginning, God…” Who names God?      

El Roi                          God who Sees                        Gen 16:13       Dad sees everything!

El Shaddai                  Almighty God                       Gen 17:1-2      “My daddy’s stronger than your daddy!”

Jehovah Nissi              The Lord is my Banner         Ex 17:15          We take on our father’s name.

Jehovah Rohi              God is my Shepherd              Psalm 23:1      “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Jehovah Shalom          The Lord is my Peace            Judges 6:24     “I feel so secure sitting on his lap”

Jehovah Tsa’vot          Lord of Hosts fights for you  Ex 14:14;Ps.24 He defends/protects us.

Yahweh-Nissi             Lord is our Banner                Ex 17:15          Moses called it “The LORD is my Banner”

Shaphat                       God is my Judge                   Gen 18:25       We value his judgment

Yahweh-Shalom         God is my Peace                    Judges 6:24     “The Lord is Peace”

Jehovah Rapha            The Lord who Heals thee      Gen 20:17       “Daddy, please kiss my ouchie?”

 

Does each of God’s names reveal His all-encompassing nature?  Might it be worthwhile to recognize and learn all of His names and their attributes?  

Would it make sense to address the Lord in our prayers with one of His names that recognizes the particular attribute we want to recognize or pray about or talk to Him about?

Do you feel honored when you are called “Hey You”?  No!?!?   Thus, we should address Almighty God with an honoring name.  If we address God by a purposeful name as we pray, we might both be on topic with faith that He hears us?

Points to Ponder

Might addressing God in prayer by His more specific name be honoring of His attribute?

How do you feel when called by your full name?

What a mighty God we serve!

♫ Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul. Worship His holy name.
      Sing like never before, O my soul. I'll worship Your holy name. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           September 23, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”