After several years of waiting we finally got the news! I was pregnant! We had prayed and prayed, been through the doctor evaluations, we had started different options to help me get pregnant, and FINALLY, we were going to have a baby. We could not contain our excitement. Then our reality hit. We had to make preparations for this new little one….and in a very different time, there were no pictures through sonogram. We only had the quickness of a heartbeat to help us guess if we were to have a girl or boy. Nursery theme chosen, bedding made by my husband’s Nana, and my mother made wall décor. Room painted and shelves put up. Crib and changing table were bought and assembled. Things were taking shape in the nursery, and by the way, so was I.

We started paying close attention to names. We looked at names that scrolled across the tv screen or movie theater screens. We looked at a book with baby names in it, and we considered family names. We looked for the perfect name for our child. Because we did not know the baby’s gender, two names had to be chosen: a name that was pretty for a girl or manly for a boy. A name they could wear proudly. A name that kids at school couldn’t make jokes about. A name that was easy to spell and its’ pronunciation was easy too. A name…The name that they would have their entire life. This was a hard decision. We took our time to choose the perfect name.

Last fall I did a study on the book of Psalm. I was in awe of the way David and other writers were able pour out their hearts to God.  BUT what really stood out to me over and over again was the way they were able to praise God. I don’t know about you, but I can sit down to pray, really wanting to spend time praising my Father, and I get stuck.  I get through Creator, Healer, All Knowing, All Powerful, Savior, and, and, and ….I draw a blank. Can you relate to this?

At the start of the year I ordered a prayer journal. It intrigued me because it said that it would help organize me to be more specific and intentional in my prayer life. What I didn’t know is that it would put me in the middle of learning to pray scripture. As I began working through the new journal, I noticed at the front of the journal there was a list of names of God (which include Jesus and the Holy Spirit), and many of their characteristics. Many on the list were not some I had thought about, but they describe my God, the Trinity, very well.  So, I set out to do two things: (1) find the scriptures that use that name/description of Him, and (2) write a prayer of praise using each of the names listed in the journal.

I personally wrote a prayer of praise using these beautiful names and descriptions of the Trinity. Occasionally, I turn to it and read it again. It helps me realize who is in control and who I belong to. I encourage you to do the same.

So, what’s in a name? In God’s names you find power, strength, comfort, encouragement. You find healing, help, restoration, mercy and a place to anchor in a storm. Many names, but only One True God.

Blessings – Cherie