Make Every Day CountSample

Remember Your Name When You Pray
by Rev. Kenley Mann

President George H. W. Bush once campaigned in a retirement home, and he went up to one of the residents and said, “Do you know who I am?” The senior citizen responded, “No, I don’t, but if you go up to the nurses’ station, I am sure that they can tell you your name.”

Evidently, that resident had been asked that question a lot by other residents.

Now, forgetting our name is not only a danger that comes with old age, but it is a very real and present danger that can come into our lives as Christians. Abraham was not focused on his name. I do not mean “Abraham,” which means “father of many,” but “Jesus.” When we are brought to faith in God, our Savior, Jesus gives us his name, which means, “The Lord saves.” Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing Jesus one day; he saw him and was glad (John 8:56). He knew the meaning that Jesus and his life would bring.

When Abraham says, “May the Lord not be angry,” he also says, “May it not be hot to the Lord” or “Lord, please don’t be enraged.” Indeed, we should fear the Lord setting us ablaze because of our disobedience. But the Lord sent his blazing fury over our self-centered sinfulness onto his Son instead of us. Jesus lived up to his name suffered Hell for us on the cross.

When we were brought to faith, such as when we were baptized, God put his name on us. Thus we may pray boldly to God and not hesitate to bring anything before him for fear that he will set us ablaze. Instead, we come boldly as dear children to their dear Father. We remember our name is Jesus every time we pray.

Prayer: Lord, I praise you for living up to your name and giving me your name as your child. Lead me to remember my name whenever I may be afraid to ask anything of you, knowing that you will answer according to your name—the Lord saves. Amen.