Based on Praying the Names of GodandPraying the Names of Jesus, two bestselling books by Ann Spangler, this unique Bible study is designed to help individuals and groups explore the most important of God's names and titles as they are revealed in 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 Old Testament: El Shaddai, Elohim, Adonai, Abba, El Elyon—God Almighty, Mighty Creator, Lord, Father, God Most High, and more. And in the New Testament: Immanuel, Prince of Peace, Lamb of God, Bread of Life, Yeshua . . . through his names and titles, we come to understand more fully how Jesus reveals God's heart to us.
52 Weeks Praying the Names of God is a study that explores the most prominent names of God throughout the Bible to reveal the deeper meanings behind them and to teach you how to pray through them. Each name or title is broken down into three sections each week:
Monday: Study a portion of Scripture that reveals the name. Tuesday–Thursday: Pray specific Scripture passages related to the name. Friday: Pray Scripture promises connected to the name. Ultimately, you'll gain a more intimate understanding of who God is and how he can be relied upon in every circumstance of your life, enabling you to echo the psalmist's prayer: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."
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.
I loved this book! It's the first year-long devotional I've done.
Each chapter is devoted to one or more related names of God. The second half of the book is names of Jesus. Spangler opens each chapter with a brief introduction to the name and the biblical passage in which it is introduced. In the next section you go to the passage in your study Bible and write the Aramaic or Hebrew term near the name. Spangler follows that with a more in-depth description of the name, its impact on the people at the time, and how it influences us today. After that, she asks five to eight questions, encouraging the reader to think about the attributes of God that the name reveals. One of the final sections is a couple verses that use the name or concept as a springboard to write a prayer that expresses your thoughts on those attributes. Finally, she supplies several verses for the reader to consider with those characteristics independently.
Though most of the names were not new to me, Spangler's approach gave me a greater depth of understanding. I believe the book has helped me know and appreciate God on a deeper level.
I completed this study over 52 days rather than weeks. I thoroughly enjoyed the format and, though I have studied the names of God multiple times, I learned several new things. I especially appreciate the inclusion and explanation of the names in the original Hebrew or Greek context.
One of the best studies I have ever done when combined with the Daily guide books! Some of the questions seem easy and repetitive, but I think sometimes we need the repetition and the reminder of the simple things so we don't take anything for granted. Highly recommend this study!
My women's group at church did this study over the last year and thoroughly enjoyed it! We learned a lot, discussed a lot and enjoyed ourselves a lot. The book is a fabulous jumping off point for avid discussions.
Well written study of the meaning and character behind the names of God. This book doesn’t tell you what to believe but rather leads you on a journey of discovery to better define your beliefs. Take the time to truly think through the discussion questions.
Easy to read and follow. The main focus the Names of God are Based strictly on a more mechanical translation of Hebrew to English rather than almost all English Bibles.