Names of God
Movement 1: Name of God in Scripture
Read:
Scripture is teeming with the names of our God. These names are not just titles or classifications, they are representations of how He reveals himself to us. They reflect His nature and character. When we study His names, we can learn more about Him, who He is, What He does, and how much He loves us.
YHWH LORD is the personal name of God (Exodus 3:13-15). He is also called:
Abba Father (Romans 8:15)
Adonai (1 Samuel 24:8)
The Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13)
Ancient of Days (Daniel 7)
El Roi (God who sees me - Genesis 16)
Elohim (the Hebrew word for God that appears in the very first sentence of the Bible - “supreme one” or “mighty one” - Genesis 1:1)
El Elyon (God Most High - Psalm 57:2)
Friend of Sinners (Matthew 11:19)
Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)
Ruler of Israel (Micah 5:2)
Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14)
Branch (Zechariah 3:8, GNT)
Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5)
El-Shaddai (God Almighty - Genesis 17:1, NLT)
The Good Shepherd (John 10:11)
Physician (Matthew 9:12, ESV)
In addition, here is a list of Names of God in the Old Testament with linked descriptions and meanings from the source blueletterbible.org.
Reflect:
Take time to look up many of the verses above to read more about the names of God and the Biblical context surrounding these names.
Pray:
Walk through this list of names. As you read each one aloud, thank Him for His nature and character and how He reveals Himself to us in these ways.
Movement 2: To What Extent Do You Know Him?
Read:
Charles Spurgeon was an influential preacher and author in the 1800’s. He had much to say about the extent to which he knew his God:
They tell me he is a refiner, that he cleanses from spots; he has washed me in his precious blood, and to that extent I know him. They tell me that he clothes the naked; he has covered me with a garment of righteousness, and to that extent I know him. They tell me that he is a breaker, and that he breaks chains, he has set my soul at liberty, and therefore I know him. They tell me that he is a king and that he reigns over sin; he has subdued my enemies beneath his feet, and I know him in that way. They tell me he is a shepherd: I know him for I am his sheep. They say he is a door: I have entered in through him, and I know him as a door. They say he is food: my spirit feeds on him as on the bread of heaven, and, therefore, I know him as such.
-Charles Spurgeon
Reflect/Listen:
What moves you most in your relationship with the Lord? Would you dare to give God a name? And, if so, what would that name be?
Movement 3: How do you know Him right now?
Write/Reflect:
Grab a pen and paper or pull up a new document or notes app on your phone. Based on the reflection in Movement 2 above, begin to write the extent to which you know God right now in your life. This may include Biblical names of God, but it may also include names by which only you know Him...restorer after conflict...rebuker of evil...silencer of death...way maker...color bringer...
Begin to address God with names that are deeply personal to you. Tell him why you’ve chosen these names and what He means to you.
Pray:
Pray through your list of names and give Him praise and glory for who He is.