The Power of Praying in God's Name

  1. Calling on God's Name

  2. Make a Name for Yourself

  3. What's in a Name?

  4. For His Name's Sake

  5. Praise His Name

  6. He Is Lord

  7. He Is Personal

  8. The Definitive God

  9. Misusing God's Name

  10. The God We Call Father

  11. In the Name of Jesus

  12. My Favorite Name

Scripture: Proverbs 22:1

According to The Associated Press, Emily topped the list of most popular baby girl names in 2008, registering as number one for the twelfth straight time. Jacob led among names for boys for the ninth year in a row. Biblical names continued to dominate the boys' list. Besides Jacob, other top picks for boys were Michael, Joshua, and Matthew. For girls, Isabella, Emma, and Ava has been the most popular female names since 1996.

When we think about God's name, which is your favorite?

Consider this partial listing of the names of God.

God is the I AM, The Author and Finisher of our faith, the Alpha and Omega, the Almighty One, the Redeemer, the Prince of Peace, the Anchor Behind the Veil, the Most High, the Bright and Morning Star, the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the Valley, the Lamb of God, the Son of God, the Savior, the Counselor, the Everlasting Father, the Ancient of days, The Lord our Sovereign, The Everlasting God, The God who is sufficient for the needs of his people, the Eternal Creator, The Lord our Provider, The Lord our Banner, The Lord our Healer, The Lord our Peace, The Lord our Righteousness, The Lord our Sanctifier, The Lord of Hosts, The Lord is Present, The Lord our Shepherd, The Lord our Maker, The Lord our God, The Bread of Life, The door, The first and the last, the good shepherd, the light of the world, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, My Father, My friend, My help, My high tower, My lamp, My refuge, My salvation, My shepherd, My strength and power, My defense, My fortress, My glory, My goodness, My hiding place, My hope, My king, My love, My Redeemer, My rock, My Savior, My song, The Almighty, The Branch of Righteousness, The Christ, The Comforter, The glorious Lord, The great God, The Great, The Mighty God, The Holy One of God, The Deliverer, The bridegroom, the chief Shepherd, The Amen.

I have discovered that my favorite name for God is the one that I need the most I this particular time. If I am hurting I need him as the Comforter. If I have sinned I need him as the Redeemer. If I am sick I need him as the Healer. If I am spiritually hungry I need him as the Bread of Life. If I am in conflict I need him as the Prince of Peace.

The song "Your Name" says it well.

As morning dawns and evening fades
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart and glorify Your Name

Jesus, in Your Name we pray
Come and fill our hearts today
Lord, give us strength to live for You and glorify Your Name

CHORUS
Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder
'Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your Name *

Rick Ezell is the pastor of First Baptist Greer, South Carolina. Rick has earned a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Theology in preaching from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Rick is a consultant, conference leader, communicator, and coach.