Hearing God about Names

Apr 26, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Names are specific and point to something or someone. They identify people and places. Names can also influence our perception, especially in relation to God. Join us in this episode of the Hearing God Podcast as we unpack the significance of our name and hear God about both our name and God’s names.

Episode Notes:

Background to names and hearing God

  • Driving up country and noticed unusual names of roads –
    • Glue Pot Road
    • Cockpit Lagoon Road
    • Mile Past Lane
  • These names carried significance. E.g., a mile past road.
  • When we named our children, we chose specific names for their meaning.
  • Gary & Jane share the meaning of their names.

First Principle: Names are important to God

  • I’ve felt for ages that names influence our perception – e.g. names of God – influence how we see God.
  • John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word. Jesus’ name
  • Jehovah – YHWH my breath ‘I am’ (Exodus 6:2)
  • El Roi – The God who sees me (Genesis 16:13 Hagar)
  • El Shaddai – God Almighty (Genesis 17:1)
  • Jehovah Jireh my provider – the One who sees my need (Genesis 22:13-14)
  • Jehovah Rapha – the Lord is our healer – (Exodus 15:26)
  • Jehovah Magen – my shield and protector (Deut 33:29)
  • El Elyon – the Most High exalted God (Genesis 14:18-20, Psalm 57:2, Ps 78:35)
  • Jehovah Shalom – the Lord is peace (Judges 6:24)
  • Yahweh Rohi – the Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23)
  • Jehovah Selah – the Lord is my rock (Psalm 78:35, Ps 18:2)
  • Psalm 18:2 The Lordis my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
  • El HaNe’eman – the Faithful God (Deut 7:9 “Know therefore that the Lordyour God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”)
  • Elohay Mishpatt – the God of justice (Isaiah 30:18)
  • Emmanuel – God with us (Isaiah 7:14)
  • Elohay Selichot – God of forgiveness (Nehemiah 9:17 “But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.”)

Second Principle: The meaning of our name is significant

  • Do you know the meaning of your name? It is usually no accident.
  • Names signify identity.
  • How are you known on earth, and also in heaven? What does your name say about your character and your calling?
  • I encourage people to look at the names of God and Jesus and choose one. Then explore what that name means and what it reveals about God or Jesus’ character. Then look at how knowing that affects your belief, attitude, actions or prayer.
  • Then ask God:
    • “Lord, what do you want me to know about this?”
    • “In what ways haven’t I fully understood this part of your character, God?”

Third Principle: Our names can be redeemed.

  • For those who don’t like their name or have struggled with its meaning, what’s the way forward…
  • Ask God. Listen to what He says.
  • Ask your parents (if they are still alive) why they called you that name.
  • Think outside the square. Episode 15 – If God calls you a builder, it might not be building with your hands. It might be building people, building wealth and resources, building the Kingdom of God. It might be related to building blocks e.g. teaching.
  • Names can be changed. People’s names and place names in the Bible were often changed e.g. Simon to Peter, Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel.
  • Redeem your name if it has a negative connotation – look at the opposite meaning.
  • Prayer ministry.

Summary:

  1. Names are important to God.
  2. The meaning of our name is significant.
  3. Our names can be redeemed.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him to reveal a name He calls Himself that you may not fully grasp. You may want to journal this.

  • Explore what that name means and what it reveals about God or Jesus’ character. Then look at how knowing that affects your beliefs, attitudes, actions, or prayers.
  • Then ask, “Lord, what do you want me to know about this?”
  • “God, in what ways haven’t I fully understood this part of your character?”
  • “Lord, because this is true, I will…”

Time Stamps:

[0:36] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[2:12] – Background to names and hearing God.

[6:27] – First Principle: Names are important to God.

[10:00] – Second Principle: The meaning of our name is significant.

[13:20] – Third Principle: Our names can be redeemed.

[15:47] – Summary.

[16:24] – Prophetic activation.

[18:12] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[21:03] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Genesis 3:20
  • John 1:1 – In the Beginning was the Word (Jesus’ name)
  • Exodus 6:2 – Jehovah – YHWH – my breath – ‘I am’
  • Genesis 16:13 – El Roi – the God who sees me
  • Genesis 17:1 – El Shaddai – God Almighty
  • Genesis 22:13-14 – Jehovah Jireh – my Provider – the One who sees my need
  • Exodus 15:26 – Jehovah Rapha – the Lord is our healer
  • Deuteronomy 33:29 – Jehovah Magen – my shield and protector
  • Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 57:2; Psalm 78:35 – El Elyon – The Most High Exalted God
  • Judges 6:24 – Jehovah Shalom – the Lord is peace
  • Psalm 23 – Yahweh Rohi – the Lord is my shepherd
  • Psalm 78:35; Psalm 18:2 – Jehovah Selah – the Lord is my rock (Psalm 18:2 – The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.)
  • Deuteronomy 7:9 – El HaNe’eman – the Faithful God
  • Isaiah 30:18 – Elohay Mishpatt – the God of justice
  • Nehemiah 9:17 – Elohay Selichot – God of forgiveness
  • Acts 13:9
  • Matthew 16:18
  • John 1:42
  • Genesis 17:5
  • Genesis 32:22-31
  • 1 John 1:9

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Prayer Calendar - praying the names of God
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