Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide

by Ann Spangler

A twenty-six-week devotional study by the bestselling coauthor of Women of the Bible Names in the ancient world did more than simply distinguish one person from another, they often conveyed the essential nature and character of a person. This is especially true when it comes to the names of God recorded in the Bible. Praying the Names of God explores the primary names and titles of God in the Old Testament to reveal the deeper meanings behind them. El Shadday, Elohim, Adonay, Abba, El Elyon―God Almighty, Mighty Creator, Lord, Father, God Most High―these are just a few of the names and titles of God that yield rich insights into his nature and character. Praying the Names of God shows readers how to study and pray God’s names by focusing each week on one of the primary names or titles of God. • Monday―readers study a portion of Scripture that reveals the name. • Tuesday–Thursday―readers pray specific Scripture passages related to the name. • Friday―readers pray Scripture promises connected to the name. By incorporating the divine names and titles into their prayers―and learning about the biblical context in which the name was revealed―readers will gain a more intimate understanding of who God is and how he can be relied on in every circumstance of their lives. Praying the Names of God is a unique devotional, one that offers a rich program of daily prayer and study designed to lead people into fresh encounters with the living God. The book is also available as an Abridged Audio Pages® CD.

Genres: Christian, Prayer, Nonfiction, Devotional, Faith, Spirituality, Religion

352 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

Ann Spangler is the best-selling author of numerous books, including Praying the Names of God, Women of the Bible, and Finding the Peace God Promises. An award-winning writer, Ann’s books have sold millions of copies over the course of her writing career. The mission of her books is to help readers strengthen their connection with God by encountering him in Scripture.

Before becoming a writer, Ann was an acquiring editor at various Christian publishers. From her unique perspective as an author and publishing professional, she believes readers are looking for well-written books that address the deep spiritual hungers that characterize our world.

She is the mother of two teenage daughters, both of whom were born in mainland China. In her spare time (what is spare time?), she loves to read, have dinner with friends, spend time on Lake Michigan’s beautiful beaches, travel, and stream British TV shows. An admitted Anglophile, she harbors deep prejudices in favor of anything British.

Reviews

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Praying the Names of God" by Ann Spangler is a twenty-six week devotional guide examining God's titles in Scripture. (There is a second book for the names of Jesus which I have not read.)

When I purchased this book, I was looking for a book that would serve as an overview and a reference for the names of God. I was not looking for a book of daily devotionals that day, but decided that the material included addressed what I wanted to know.

Each chapter includes an overview of the name in the original language, essential Scripture passages, and five days of guided prayers and devotionals illustrating what the name reveals about God's character.

In spite of my original intentions, I decided to read it according to its six-month structure, and I'm glad I did as it certainly enhanced my understanding of God. It will definitely remain in my library for reference as well -- as a starting point for deeper research in future Bible studies.

Recommended for anyone looking for devotional readings on God and anyone who would like to know more about God's titles in Scripture.

[Deborah Palmer]

I have not yet read the book but I do get the online Bible Study versions delivered directly to my Yahoo email Inbox. These studies are great. These devotionals really stand out and speak to me especially the one for this past week. Every week Ms. Spangler focuses on a different name of God.

This week it is God your Refuge, Shield, Fortress, Dwelling Place, and Strong Tower. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Proverbs 18:10 (King James Version)

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

For the past year, God has been my strong tower, my refuge, shield and fortress. Actually God has been my total support system and the only one I could depend on. Been going through many financial and health challenges and I've finally learned that the LORD is the only one I can trust and who will help me.

As the older people in church used to say, "He will make a way out of no way".

That's my testimony.

Please check out:

Bible and Bible study tools at:
bible.oneplace.com/

or try just www.oneplace.com

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have nearly finished going through 'Praying the Names of God' and I have really enjoyed working through this book. 'Praying the Names of God' is a nicely structured book. It starts with an introductin to a particular name/title of God (there are 26), backed up by relevant scripture. You spend 5 days on each name. The first day is an introduction where you read about and study the name. The next three days contain devotional readings to help you pray specifically about/through the name. The final day helps you reflect on how the name connects to God's promises in Scripture. I have spent about 35 weeks going through the names - some of my weeks are busier than others and so it has been nice not to rush going through the names but linger and saviour each name. I have found the exercise very informative and helpful in my prayer life and my understanding of who God is - His character. I have found certain names more helpful to my own life situation than others - again this is something which I suspect many people have found having read this book for themselves. Originally I was given this book by a friend. I was going to start going through this series starting January 1st but because I was quite low during the time I felt that I needed to start reading it much sooner. This book has been a real tonic in my life, which is what I wanted it to be. It helped me draw closer to God more and I have felt his presence and healing through it. Now that I have almost finished I will keep coming back to it. In fact there are a number of names that I dwell on during the start of my evening meditations which help me to focus upon His presence and help me to worship and praise Him. A lot of people have read this book and found it to be helpful. I hope you will too.

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last year I received "Praying the Names of Jesus" by this same author and enjoyed it greatly. This is no less enjoyable! This is a book that seems so simple upon first look but it delves deeply into the richness of God's Word exposing the beauty and depth of the original language and the importance of the different names given to God. We are taught the words Lord, God, Almighty, the I Am - yet rarely do we truly understand the depth and meaning of these words or how they reveal the rich and wonderful character of God.

Upon reading a book like this it is hard to view the scriptures in the same context. For all of the sudden you have a more complete knowledge of what the author, under the divine inspiration of God, was trying to convey. It is like stumbling upon a treasure in the midst of what you already thought was good and unearthing more than you expected at each turn. It is like finding a well in the midst of a desert, then discovering it is actually a spring that runs eternally deep and will never run dry.

I really enjoy that only one Name is explored for the entire week. This gives the reader time to absorb the meaning - to make it personal and to experience the true character of who God is. The questions cause the reader to dig deeper and apply the knowledge that has been taught.

Absolutely worth the read - more than once!

Thank you Zondervan for this review copy.

[Sharon Israel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this devotional!! It was awesome to reflect on a different name of God every week and think more on His character!! I will definitely be picking this up again next year! Onto the names of Jesus!!

[Paula Cowart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful method of worshipping God through His Word and His character.

[Alyssa DeLeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good! A great overview of the names of God complete with pronunciation and in depth looks at who God is. I liked how each name had an entire week to be studied, if you read it as a daily devotional. The book also posed some wonderful questions that made me think about and appreciate who God is on a new level. Would definitely recommend just for daily Bible study or for someone going through grief or anxiety. It acted as an excellent grounder.

[Robert Federline · Rating 4 out of 5]

In many corners of the world, and in many cultures, one's name is a powerful indicator of your true nature. In some cultures your name is changed as you age, and more is revealed about your personality and traits. In literature allegories choose the names of the characters carefully to alert the reader to what may be expected from such characters.

How much more important is it to know the names by which God has revealed Himself to us. His many names describe aspects of his character and demonstrate His love for us, and how He displays such love. These names point out for us what He holds to be important in our lives and how we relate to Him.

This is a well-written investigation into many of the aspects of our Lord and how He has revealed Himself to His people. It is not preachy or didactic, but is invitational in nature, asking the reader to become more comfortable in the presence of God and to bask in His love and care for His creation.

[Mark Uncommon Valor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hebrew word rophe means " heal, " cure," " restore," or " make whole. " Shortly after his people left Egypt for the Promised Land, God revealed himself as Yahweh Rophe, " the Lord who heals. " ask him to search your heart. take time to let him show you what it contains. If he uncovers any sin, ask for his forgiveness and then pray for healing. The New Testament reveals Jesus as the Great Physician, the healer of body and soul, whose miracles point to the kingdom of God.

by Ann Spangler

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good resource to learn some of the many names of God. Good way to spend time getting to know God better & his many characteristics & attributes. It's helpful when one is discouraged, frustrated, weak, feeling lost or lonely. His names mean something & this book helps you see Him & know Him more deeply. Definitely a reader friendly book with lots of scripture references.

[Ronald Melone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually, I'm still reading it. I pick it up now and then to learn another name of God. It is very useful when praying. Each chapter is a name and each chapter is divided into Monday through Friday.

[Ingrid Shanklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is one to savor like a good strong cup of tea...steeped over a period of time so that all of richness is tasted in every drop. Read it and then read it again...meant to be ingested slowly over time.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative regarding the 26 names of Jesus Christ---and how to pray over our lives addressing those names-----
I loved it---the notes I made----could not put it down. Great devotional that turned into an all day read for me!!!

[Jane Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book that Kathy Daniels gave me to read. Took 6 months reading each day - well worth the time. I'll reread it for sure!

[Lisa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to study the names of God. Learn more about the names of God. This book is a good start. It is easy to read and understand.

[Nancy Kroneberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent devotional! I find Ann Spangler to be NOT your typical Christian author in a way that I may not be able to clearly articulate. This book follows a pattern--five days of exploring each of the different Biblical names of God. It is chock-full of Scripture. She explains the meaning of each name in Hebrew and in English, and its usage in the Bible. But she also has a habit of telling stories from her life, or sharing a hymn or a song or a poem, or even a new event that also apply or use the particular name of God that you are focusing on that week. She gives you two days off (presumably the weekend) to either further study that name of God or to take a break. I now often use the list of names in the beginning of the book as a way to start praising God in the beginning of my prayer time. This is a great book for either individual or group study.

[Rebecca Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is long overdue. I first read Ann Spangler's book, Praying the Names of God, several years ago. Then my husband and I studied through it together. Not only did it feed my passion to know more about the names and attributes of our precious and powerful God, It increased my appetite for God's Word even more. It is such a powerful and helpful guide, from giving us reflections and background biblical information about God's names, to helping us pray and praise Him through His names. Each day encourages us to strengthen our relationship and intimacy with God through confession and questions as we study and pray. I also enjoyed her story and anecdotal applications that personalized God's names and character even more. I've read several of Ann's books since, and they are all jewels. I love all of them and highly recommend them.

[Shanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've long had this book on my shelves and picked it up last year when my pastor began a series on the names of God. I read the chapter that correlated to what name he was preaching on and, when the series finished, I continued through to the end. It was a nice way to dive more into different aspects of God's character and allow me to focus on them one at a time. It will be an encouraging book that I hope to pick up again and reread in the future. It's broken down into 6 days a week and gives you specific things to pray about and seek in your own heart. God is always finding new ways to reveal Himself to me, this book was no exception.

[Vickie L. Schmidt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

I have only just read the introduction but am disappointed to see that once again Ann Spangler does not see the need to capitalize the pronouns for God. As she studied His names in Hebrew she should have come to see the respect and reverence due His name even in pronoun form.
I am although anxious to dig in and see what she has to say.

[Marit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has deepened my understanding of Gods character. I see Him as a diamond with many sides to it. In this book, many Biblical names of God are explained from scripture and in the context in which the Bible was written. Each name is explained, applied to your own life and prayed over your life.
This book has been a great blessing to me and may it bless you as well!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 52 week Bible study on the names of God. Each lesson contains a commentary on the meaning of the name, questions to connect one to the name, relevant Scriptures concerning the name, and then an opportunity to meditate on and pray about the name — and can be done in 2-3 days per week. I found this an enjoyable study.

[Hannah Ditmire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives much to think about by ways of understanding God from various aspects throughout the scriptures. I found the questions to be thought provoking and although it was published over 15 years ago, it has stood up rather well with only a few dated references.

[Lynette Calleros · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this daily devotional book so much! This has been on my shelves for a while and I’m so glad I picked it up. I sometimes would forget a day, but it’s not a big deal. You can easily just pick up where you left off. I highly recommend this book.

[Sue Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always wonderful to listen to scripture and learn more about God! I liked hearing all the different ways God is referred to in the Bible as. I learned a lot. Probably a better one to actually read and take the time to study during the weeks as it’s laid out, but still worthwhile to listen to

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great daily M-F readings on the names of God. Each week is a different name, each day's reading is short, approx 2 pages, simple to read with practical applications. Perfect to read over your morning coffee or work break.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not good at keeping faithful with books like this - daily guides - but the content is rich and fascinating.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting, encouraging, thought-provoking. Loved that there was a reading for every day of the week.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome is our LORD! This is a great book to have for daily devotionals and prayers! I highly recommend this and also the companion book "Praying the Names of JESUS:

[Ezra Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful One

This daily devotional guide provides an excellent way of deepening one's comprehension of the many faces and aspects of our heavenly Father.

[Ann Younger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never get tired of reading this book. I’m filled and re-filled again and again by the intimate knowledge of Who God is❤️