The Power of Prayer | Tony Evans

You probably not only grew up reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, but also the Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”

The first principle we garner from this prayer is that God’s name is unique—we are to hallow His name. The way that God’s name is hallowed is by His kingdom coming through His will being done. So the reverse of that is true as well—if you are not seeking to do God’s will, then His kingdom in your life is not coming and His name is not being hallowed.

We must remember that we serve an awesome, all-powerful heavenly Father, the Creator of the universe. Familiarity must never give way to disrespect. “Hallowed” means to sanctify or to set apart; to deem as special.

What is it about God’s name that is so special? Well, in biblical times, names reflected character. So, if you take the time to understand who God is, you’ll know why and how He is waiting with open arms to meet you at your point of need.

There are over 85 names of God in the Old Testament alone. Let’s examine some of them and explore the lessons they teach us about Him. We have heard God called Elohim, the Creator God. He is also Adonai, the Lord. We know him as Jehovah, the God who keeps His covenant.

Here are some others:

• El Elyon: “The Most High God.” El Elyon describes the God who sits in heaven, looks down, and says, “Everything is in My hand.” All circumstances are under His control. When you call on El Elyon, it is a way of saying that no matter what’s going on, everything is under His control.
• El Olam: “The Everlasting, Unchanging God.” No matter how unpredictable your circumstances, no matter how unstable your life may seem, you serve a God who is consistent and steadfast over all time.
• El Shaddai: “God Almighty, full of grace.” When I need what I don’t deserve, El Shaddai is there to make up the difference.
• El Roi: “The God who sees.” When I’m hurting, I need El Roi, for God is so intimately connected with my circumstances that He is there to comfort me.
• Jehovah Rohi: “The Lord, my Shepherd.” When I don’t know which direction to take in life, I get down on my knees and call on Jehova Rohi. I know that my Shepherd will direct His sheep in the perfect direction.
• Jehovah Sabbaoth: “The Lord of Hosts.” When I find myself in trouble and nobody seems willing to come to my aid, I remember Jehovah Sabbaoth. If necessary, He wills the angels of heaven to get me where I need to go.

Commit to praying God’s names and watch God show up in your life on a whole new level.