How can we apply the call to "call upon His name" in prayer? Key verse Psalm 105:1: “Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make His deeds known among the nations.” Meaning of “call upon His name” • First used in Genesis 4:26; it marks open, public dependence on the LORD. • “Name” (Heb. shem) points to God’s revealed character, authority, and covenant faithfulness (Exodus 34:5-7). • To “call” (Heb. qaraʾ) means cry out, proclaim, invite, and appeal for help—never a vague wish but a direct approach to the living God (Psalm 50:15). Why the name matters • Salvation is tied to it: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13). • Authority is vested in Jesus’ name (John 14:13-14; Philippians 2:9-11). • Assurance rests on His unchanging reputation (Psalm 9:10; Proverbs 18:10). How to apply the call in personal prayer • Begin with gratitude—Psalm 116:17. Thank Him specifically, then call. • Speak His revealed names that match your need: – “Yahweh-Jireh” (Provider, Genesis 22:14) for provision. – “Yahweh-Rapha” (Healer, Exodus 15:26) for healing. – “Father” (Matthew 6:9) for intimacy and guidance. • Pray through Christ alone—“Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it” (John 14:13). • Call in every season: – Distress (Psalm 18:6) – Joy (Psalm 105:1) – Doubt (Mark 9:24) • Expect Him to answer (Jeremiah 33:3). Keep a record of responses to build faith. • Remain reverent; His name is holy (Psalm 99:3). Applying the call in corporate prayer • Open gatherings with public Scripture reading that names the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:8-10). • Unite voices—Acts 4:24: “They lifted up their voice to God with one accord.” • Confess sins together (Nehemiah 9:2-3), then call for cleansing. • Declare His mighty acts; testimony strengthens the church (Psalm 145:4-7). • Intercede for nations, “that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name” (1 Kings 8:43). Living the practice beyond the prayer closet • Invoke His name over daily tasks—Colossians 3:17. • Whisper His name in temptation; He “provides the way of escape” (1 Corinthians 10:13). • Bless others in His name (Numbers 6:24-27). • Use answered prayer as a witness to unbelievers, fulfilling Psalm 105:1. Summary takeaways • Calling on His name is more than saying “Lord”; it is leaning wholly on His revealed character. • Scripture assures He hears, responds, rescues, and glorifies Himself through our dependence. • Make it habitual: gratitude first, Christ’s name central, faith expectant, witness outward. |
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