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A Prayer for Recognizing the Names by Which We Live

     He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives itRev. 2:17

Dear Lord Jesus, this Scripture powerfully underscores the fact that we live and die by the names we are given, and we harm or heal by the names we give. Nowhere, more clearly, is the death-doling and life-giving power of the tongue demonstrated than in the world of names. Grant us ears to hear what you call us in the gospel, this very day.

Speaking of names, Lord Jesus, you have the name that is above every name. It’s by your name, and everything your name signifies, that we’re forgiven and declared righteous in the sight of God; being set from every bondage and healed of every disease; gifted for life in the kingdom and secured for life in eternity. And it’s at your name, one Day, that we’ll gladly bow our knees—with everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth (Phil. 2:9-11).

It’s only because you overcame sin and death for us, that we dare think of ourselves as, “overcomers.” It’s only because you drank the cup of our judgment that we’ll feast on the “hidden manna” of heaven. Lord Jesus, we praise you for living and dying in our place. Our hope is firm, only because your work is finished.

Through the power of the gospel, we ask you to heal and free us from every wrong, cruel, damaging name we’ve ever received, or have given ourselves. Likewise, through the grace of the gospel, please help us to be ever so careful what we call, label, and name others—whether in the privacy of our inner thoughts or the public square of daily life. Deepen both of these processes, we pray.

Lord Jesus, we don’t know whether or not there’s, literally, a new name you’ll give us as we begin our life in the new heaven and new earth; but that today you call us, “mine” and “beloved,” is enough for now and eternity. So very Amen we pray, in your merciful and matchless name.

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