Praying the Different Names of God: Why, How and a Printable

Are you at a loss for what to pray for? Maybe you are just new at prayer. Here’s the thing, though. You can be a new Christian or a seasoned Christian. If you aren’t praying the different names of God, which is also in line with God’s will, your prayers can feel like dry dust in the wind.

praying the names of guide and a woman praying

Jesus taught us exactly how to pray in Matthew 6:5-14. Yet, there’s another strategy for praying that can be very effective for entering into God’s presence, and it incorporates the characteristics of God, or better, the attributes of God.

That strategy is praying while using the names of God to declare exactly what you are having faith in God for.

Why Pray The Names of God

You may be wondering why I’m recommending that you pray the names of God. Well, there are 7 that I want to share with you. And, I don’t think that it’s a coincidence that 7 is also God’s number of completion.

1. God’s Names Reveal His Nature

When you pray the names of God, you aren’t just using a title to address Him. Each name of God is a reflection of who God is and how He will show up for you, especially when you trust Him.

2. Names Anchor You in Truth

Praying the Lord’s names will remind you of what’s true (not just facts) when your emotions or circumstances try to tell you otherwise. If for example, you use God’s name that declares He is a healer, the truth about healing is solidified.

3. God’s Names Shift the Way You Relate to Him

Instead of praying vague prayers, your conversations with God become more intimate and intentional. You will be more focused on the very characteristic of God you are praying.

4. Things Change When You Pray God’s Name(s)

a. Prayer Becomes a Relationship, Not Just a Request List

When you pray one of God’s names, you stop “performing.” You move from a position of begging God for things to a position of knowing you are His child.

b. You Learn to Trust God More Deeply

Calling on the Name of the Lord reminds you that He’s there for you and He’s more than capable of rescuing you or supplying your needs. Trust is built.

c. You Experience Peace, Even Before the Answer Comes

Praying the names of God positions you to pray from a place of truth and not uncertainty. His very names declare exactly who He is and what He’s capable of.

d. All of Heaven and Hell Hear Your Declaration

When you pray the Names of God out loud, you are also declaring to all of heaven (and hell) what you are trusting God to be _______________ (whatever Name you are praying).

The enemy doesn’t want you to have faith in God, but praying to the Lord in a manner that declares Him to be who you need Him to be is also declaring your faith IN Him.

woman praying surrounded by flowers and words why and how to pray using God's names with jehovah and a call to grab the names of God printable

The Names of God and Their Meaning: 5 Most Popular

God has many names. Many identify Him as Jehovah God + His attributes. I’m sure there are also many names that God has that we don’t even know about. Yet, there are some that no matter what Christian denomination you are in, you’ve heard of.

Here are 5 of the most popular you can start praying and declaring today.

Jehovah Jireh – The Lord our Provider (Genesis 22:14)

Jehova Rapha – The Lord Who Heals (Exodus 15:26)

Jehovah Shalom – The Lord is Peace (Judges 6:24)

Jehovah Nissi – The Lord My Banner (Exodus 17:15)

Jehovah Shamma – The Lord is Present – He’ll never leave you or forsake you (Ezekiel 48:35)

God has other names that don’t include “Jehovah,” (for example: El Roi or El Rohi), but these are five of the most popular names that people know about the Lord.

Also, to be clear, Jehovah’s Witnesses did not come up with this name for the Lord. Jehovah is the Hebrew translation of God’s name YHWH / LORD. It represents God’s eternal, self-existent nature and emphasizes God’s covenant relationship with His people.

There’s much more to it, and that leads me to the next reason you should study and pray the names of God.

You Can Create a Whole Bible Study Guide from God’s Names

God’s names are fascinating! Once you know His names, you can do a deeper study into them, creating a whole Bible study guide that covers all the areas of your life.

guide to praying the names of god written over image of praying hands, a cross and a dove

Conclusion: An Invitation + Encouragement

Praying the different names of God shouldn’t feel overwhelming. You don’t have to pray them all at once. Start small. Pick one name this week and pray with it in mind. Call out to our Father, using His name that reveals what you are believing in Him for.

Would you like a helpful Names of God printable? The checklist below contains nearly 20 different names of God, their meanings, plus a collection of Biblical affirmation cards to help you pray more effectively, so you can grow spiritually.

Download the Praying the Names of God Checklist to enhance your personal prayer time.

A Weekly Source for Spiritual Growth and More

For further support in your Christian walk (along with helpful natural hair tips), sign up for the Faithful Living Newsletter. It’s your weekly source of prayer inspiration, spiritual growth tips, and encouragement for your natural hair journey. Check out past issues here.

Pray Differently: The Surprising Impact of Using God’s Names