Chapter 5: Words Matter

The words we use about others have the possibility of demeaning or enhancing our relationship with them. Of putting up barriers or breaking down walls.  Of vitalizing a relationship, or gouging a rut. Just so are the words we use about ourselves: “I’m stupid vs. I tried my best.” Studies have shown that those harsh adjectives with which we beat ourselves up have the same physical and emotional impact as if someone else had said them. Since words matter tremendously, the more creative we are in our conversations with God and about God, the more those metaphors can springboard us into an broader and deeper relationship.     

The words we use to call upon God can sound like a robotic phone message (Heavenly Father, Father God,” “Lord we just. . .” or can be an invitation to explore our understanding of God’s characteristics and attributes.  Those words are the scaffolding of our prayer life. We can build a soaring cathedral or throw together a farmyard outhouse. The more creative they are, the wider our prayers are opened by a texture, a taste, a hunger to grow ever closer. But paradoxically, we find that like Moses at the burning bush, we are on holy ground and must keep our distance for we are not good buddies with God. Creation is God’s soaring cathedral, and we are but a part of the blueprint for it.  Hallelujah!

In an article in the “Bible Review” August/September 2003 titled So Many Names for God, Bible scholar Bernhard Lang, has researched the Hebrew Scriptures for all of the names for God he can find.  The four most popular one-word names are: Yahweh (6800 times); Elohim (2600 times); Adonai (439 times); and El (238 times). Besides these 4, he lists 33 other names for God. Some of these names are titles, some of them are attributes, most are nouns, but some are used as verbs. Sometimes the meaning of a name is determined by context.

It is quite apparent that the ancient People of the Covenant were comfortable with a wide variety of names for God, each name with its own history, meaning, as an invitation to explore the depths of the people’s relationship with the Creator. Following that tradition, the New Testament writers used a wide variety of ways to refer to Jesus and the Way of God he followed. But with the development of the Doctrine of the Trinity a few centuries later, the most common names used became limited to God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost (or Spirit) and Christ/Lord.  You may find it helpful to explore the many other names and attributes for God in the New Testament that are easily accessible on-line. 

But for my purposes of encouraging creative prayers, In Chapter 5, I have made two lists of ways to address God.

 The first is from my personal studies of the Psalter over the year. This is in no way a definitive list, just a handy one. I pray their flavor and texture will spark the very words of blessing the recipient of your prayer may need and that in the writing of them, you will find a deeper, richer relationship with God and the one for whom you are praying.

The second list has other metaphors for God that might lead you into prayers that offer a deeper, richer expression of your faith and love.

The third list has a few scriptures sentences written out to give you a quick reference for your prayers for those who are ill.

List One:

Psalter Suggestions for Calling Upon God

Perhaps the Hebrew word “hesed” best reveals the richest understanding of God’s startling attributes.  It is usually translated as “ steadfast love,” but embedded in those two words is the understanding of a lavish, relentless, ferocious will to love that cannot be hindered.  The New Testament writers speak about it as “grace.

The following phrases are attributes and characteristics of God suggested by the ancient love songs of God’s people.  They offer multiple ways to praise and petition God by calling on the divine attributes and characteristics of our good and gracious God.  May they be springboards for your spiritual nurture as you dwell on God’s Word in faith and hope.

LIST A: Attributes and Names of God from the Psalter

1.  Stream of Living Water

·      great Stream of Living Water (1:3)

·      gives us drink from the rivers of your delights (36:8);

·      Fountain of Life (36:9)

·      makes streams flow from rocks in the wilderness (78:16)

·      makes the springs of life gush forth (104:10)

·      gives drink to all who thirst (104:11)

·      satisfies the thirsty (107:9)

·      whose presence turns. . . the rock into a pool of water . . .the flint into a spring of water (114:8)

2.  Loam of Life

·      makes us like flourishing trees (1:3); (52:8)

·      causes us to flourish like the palm tree (92:12)

3.     Source of All Blessing

·      cherishes the righteousness (1:6)

·      bestows blessing (4.6)

·      whose shining face bestows favor (4:6)

·      proffers rich blessings upon your anointed (21:3)

·      bestows favor and honor to those who trust in you (84:11)

·      whose benefits we remember (103:2)

·      in whose sight the death of your faithful ones is precious (116:15)

4.  Sovereign Ruler

·      who is enthroned in Heaven (2:4)

·      Sovereign LORD (8:1)

·      Majestic Ruler of all the earth (8:9)

·      Sovereign Ruler in all the earth (8:9)

·      enthroned upon our praises (22:3)

·      claims the earth and everything in it (24:1)

·      King of Glory (24:7)

·      whose scepter is equity (45:6)

·      whose claim and purposes extend to the ends of the earth (48:10)

·      Most High over all the earth (83:18)

·      rules the raging seas (89:9)

·      whose throne is founded on righteousness and justice (89:14)

·      is more majestic than the thunders of mighty waters . . .than the waves of the sea (93:4)

·      who is King robed in majesty (93:1)

·      King girded with strength (93:1);

·      whose throne is from everlasting (93:2)

·      great King above all gods (95:3)

·      is preeminent among all gods (96:5)

·      our LORD, the King, joy of the earth (97:1)

·      the King, who causes awe and wonder (99:1)

·      Mighty King, lover of justice (99:4)

·      Mighty King, who establishes equity (99:4)

·      Mighty King, who executes justice and righteousness (99:4); is enthroned forever (102:12)

·      whose kingdom rules over all (103:19)

·      to whose sovereign claim we yield (103:20)

·      is clothed in honor and majesty. . .wrapped in light (104:1)

·      usurps all pretenders to your throne (104:3)

·      in whom all things are your servants (119:91)

·      our King (145:1)

·      Sovereign over the heights and the depths (135:6)

·      whose command all Creation obeys (135:7)

·      is the only true and living God of all the nations (135:15-18)

·      whose sovereign claim we declare with our blessing (135:21)

·      has sovereign claim over all earthly powers (138:4)

·      whose dominion endures forever (145:13)

·      name-giver of the stars (147:4)

5.     Our Father

·      our Father (2:7) (89:27)

·      whose compassion is as a father’s for his children (103:12)

6.     Sustaining One

·      our Sustainer (3:5)

·      sustains in us the spirit to do your will (51:12)

7.     Holy One

·      Holy One (22:3) (99:3)

·      Lord of Hosts (24:10);

·      Living God (42:1)

·      Awesome, Most High (47:2)

·      Living God (84:2)

·      who alone is God (86:10)

·      God from everlasting to everlasting (90:2)

·      our LORD, who is greatly to be praised (96:4)

·      the LORD, our Holy God (99:9)

·      who is “I AM,”(105:7)

·      who is Great (135:5)

·      whose lofty, wondrous ways are beyond our understanding (139:6)

8.     Refuge of the World

·      our Refuge (2:11) (46:1) (62:8) (73:28) (91:2, 9) (94:22) (141:8) (142:5) (143:9) (144:2)

·      spreads your protection over us (5:11)

·      Refuge of the Lowly (14:6)

·      hides us in the shadow of your wings (17:8)

·      our Support (18:18)

·      hides us in your shelter in the day of trouble (27:5)

·      Saving Refuge (28:8)

·      Rock of Refuge (31:2)

·      our Hiding Place (32:7)

·      calls all people to take refuge in the shadow of your wings (36:7)

·      our Refuge from the destroying storms (57:1)

·      our Shelter from the raging wind and tempest (55:8)

·      our Refuge under the shelter of your wings (61:4)

·      Strong Refuge (71:7)

·      in whose shelter we abide (91:1)

·      gives us refuge under your wings (91:4)

·      stills the storms of those at the end of wisdom (107:30)

·      is our hiding place and shield (119:114)

  

9.     Shield and Glory

·      our Shield and Glory (3:3)

·      covers the righteous with goodwill as a shield (5:12)

·      our Shield (7:10) (18:2) (144:2)

·      a shield for all who take refuge in you (18:30)

·      gives us the shield of your salvation (protection) (18:35)

·      our Glory and Strength (29:1)

·      lets your face shine, that we might be saved (80:3)

·      a Sun and a Shield (84:11)

·      whose glory is our strength (89:17)

·      whose glory we are to declare among the nations (96:3)

·      your people’s help and shield (115:9)

·      gives glory to your name for your steadfast love and faithfulness (115:1)

·      shares your majestic splendor with your faithful people (149:5)

10. Uplifting Hope

·      who lifts our heads (3:3)

·      our hope and courage (27:14) (31:24)

·      Hope of all the ends of the earth (65:5)

·      who is our hope and trust (71:5)

·      acts on our behalf for your name’s sake (109:21)

·      is worthy to be trusted (115:11)

·      revives us through confession of sin (119:25-26)

·      whose promise gives us life (119:50)

·      in whose word we hope (119:81)

·      does not let us be put to shame because of our hope in you (119:116)

·      in whom we can trust (125:1-5)

·      whose great power to redeem is our hope (130:7)

·      gives signs and wonders in times of trouble (135:9)

·      knows our feeble spirits (142:3)

·      knows our vulnerability and loneliness (142:4)

·      brings us from the dungeons of despair (142:8)

·      to whom we turn when our spirits flag (143:4)

·      in whom our hope for the future resides (144:12-15)

11. Boundless Redeemer

·      our Great Deliverer (3:7)

·      Deliverer (18:2) (144:2)

·      lifts us from the gates of death (9:13)

·      draws us out of mighty waters (18:16)

·      sets us free (44:2)

·      ransoms our souls from the realm of the dead (49:15)

·      on whom rests our deliverance (62:7)

·      rescues us from sinking in the mire (69:14)

·      whose deeds of salvation are past our knowledge (71:15)

·      who has displayed your might among the peoples (77:14)

·      who has redeemed your people with your strong arm (77:15)

·      saves your servants that trust in you (86:2)

·      has delivered our souls from the land of the living dead (86:13)

·      delivers us from the snare of the fowler and the deadly pestilence (91:3)

·      commands  angels to guard us (91:11)

·      whose word delivers us from destruction (107:20)

·      our Protector from violent, evildoers (140:1)

·      our Protector in the battles of life (140:7)

·      our Deliverer from verbal abusers (140:3)

·      our Guardian from those who plan our persecution (140:4)

12.  Fountain of Gladness

·      who puts gladness in our hearts (4:7)

·      our Fullness of Joy (16:9)

·      guards us as the apple of your eye (17:8)

·      makes your anointed glad with the joy of your presence (21:6)

·      clothes us with joy (30:11)

·      anoints us with the oil of gladness (45:7)

·      to whom our heart and our flesh sing for joy (84:2)

·      gladdens our souls (86:4)

·      makes happy those who fear [live in awe of] You (112:1)

·      makes happy those who greatly delight in Your commandments (112:1);

·      gives happiness to those. . . who walk blamelessly (in faithful dependency)      . . .who live according to Your instruction (119:1,2)

13.  Divine Rest

·      who makes us lie down in safety (4:8)

·      gives us rest (23.2)

·      brings us to still waters or water in places of repose (23:2)

·      returns our souls to rest in your bountiful dealings (116:7)

14.  Attendant of Grace

·      who hears our sighing; our crying (5:1) (38:9)

·      heeds the sound of our weeping (6:8)

·      hears the voice of our supplications (pleas for mercy) (28:2)

·      listens to the words of our mouth (54:2)

·      answers prayer (65:1)

·      answers prayer by awesome deeds with deliverance (65:5)

·      answers our prayers at an acceptable time (69:13)

·      answers our supplications in the day of our trouble (86:7)

·      inclines your ear to our cries in the night (88:2)

·      to whom we call upon from the darkness (88:10-12)

·      answers the cries of your prophets and priests (99:6)

·      hears our prayers (102:1)

·      regards the prayer of the destitute (102.17)

·      hears the groans of the prisoners (102:20)

·      hears our supplications (116:1)

·      in your steadfast love hears our voice (119:149)

·      to whom we cry in distress from our exile (120:1)

·      to whom we cry from the depths of chaos and darkness (130:1)

·      in faithfulness hears our cries for mercy (143:1)

15.  Delighting Goodness

·      who delights in goodness  (5:4)

·      delights in us (18:19)

·      whose goodness and mercy pursue us (23:6)

·      plants us in a good land (44:2)

·      is truly good to your children (73:1)

·      is gracious (76:4)

·      is merciful and gracious (86:15)

·      is good (106:1)

·      is good and does good (119:68)

·      is gracious, righteous, and merciful (116:5)

·      deals bountifully with us that we might observe your word (119:17)

·      whose goodness elicits our thanksgiving (136:1)

·      is gracious and merciful (145:8)

·      blesses the ones who live in awe and reverence of you (128:4)

·      is good and gracious (135:3)

·      has good plans and purposes for our lives (138:8)

·      who is good to all you have made (145:9)

·      whose abundant goodness we celebrate (145:7)

·      whose essential character is grace and mercy (145:8)

·      who takes pleasure in giving us life (149:4)

16.  Steadfast Love

·      who is abundant in steadfast love (5:7)

·      is gracious (30:10)

·      surrounds us with steadfast love (32:10)

·      whose steadfast love extends to the heavens (36:5)

·      whose loving kindness and faithfulness give birth to trust and hope (52:10)

·      sends forth your steadfast love and faithfulness (57:3)

·      answers our prayers in the abundance of your steadfast love (69:13)

·      makes steadfast love and faithfulness meet in the land of your people (85:10)

·      abounds in steadfast love to all who call on you (86:5)

·      abounds in steadfast love (86:15) (145:8)

·      whose faithfulness is as firm as the heavens (89:2)

·      whose faithfulness surrounds you (89:8)

·      whose faithfulness satisfies (sates) us with steadfast love (90.1)

·      who satisfies us with your steadfast love in the morning (90:14)

·      whose faithfulness parries the blows of life (91:4)

·      remembers your steadfast love and faithfulness (98:3)

·      whose steadfast love endures forever (100:5) (106:1) (107:1)

(118: 1,2,3,4,29) (136: 1-26)

·      crowns us with steadfast love and mercy (103:4)

·      whose steadfast love is higher than the heavens (103:11)

·      whose steadfast love is from everlasting to everlasting (103:17)

·      shows compassion according to the abundance of your steadfast love (106:45)

·      delivers us because your steadfast love is good (109:21)

·      whose steadfast love is great toward us (117:2)

·      fills the earth with your steadfast love (119:64)

·      whose steadfast love becomes our comfort (119:76)

·      whose steadfast love is our salvation (119:41)

·      deals with your servants in accordance with your steadfast love (119:124)

·      whose steadfast love is our hope (130:7)

·      in steadfast love nurtures and provides for all people (136:25)

·      in whose steadfast love we trust (143:8)

17.  Sanctifying Judge

·      Righteous Judge (7:11)

·      Maintainer of Justice (9:4)

·      Good and Upright One (25:8)

·      Judge of our hearts and minds (26:2)

·      judges the peoples with equity (67:4) (96:10) (98:9)

·      whose will is for justice and righteousness (72:1);

·      will judge all nations of the earth (82:8)

·      makes righteousness look down from the sky (85:11)

·      makes righteousness go before you in the land (85:12)

·      whose throne is founded on righteousness and justice (89:14) (97:2)

·      Judge of the earth (94:2)

·      will judge the world with righteousness (96:13) (98:9)

·      will judge the peoples with your truth (96:13)

·      whose righteousness is proclaimed by the heavens (97:6)

·      in whose judgments we are glad, rejoice (97:8)

·      makes happy those who observe justice (106:3)

·      makes happy those who do righteousness at all times (106:3)

·      will execute judgment among the nations (110:6)

·      whose righteousness endures forever (111:3)

·      makes it well with those who conduct their affairs with justice (112:5)

·      makes the righteous stable (112:6)

·      makes the righteous unafraid of evil tidings (112:7)

·      makes the hearts of the righteous secure in you (112:8)

·      makes our desire for righteousness endure forever (112:9)

·      whose righteousness is everlasting (119:142)

·      to whom we look for justice (139:19)

·      Advocate of justice for the poor and needy (140:12)

·      answers our prayers with righteousness (143:1)

·      is just in all your ways (145:17)

18.  Merciful Haven

·      bulwark against our foes (8:2)

·      stronghold . . for the oppressed (9:9)

·      our Stronghold (18:2) (94:22) (144:2)

·      our Fortress (18:2); delivers us from our enemies (18:48) (59:1)

·      plucks our feet from our enemies’ weapons (25:15)

·      Strong Fortress to save (31:2)

·      Our Fortress in distress (59:16); (62:2)

·      Strong Tower against our enemies (61:3)

·      saves us from the snares of life-invading powers (116:3)

·      Guardian (keeper) (121:5)

·      keeps our enemies from swallowing us up alive (124:3)

·      has kept us like a bird from the snare of the fowlers (124:7)

·      rescues us from all our foes (136:24)

·      preserves us in the midst of calamity (138:7)

·      hears our cries for mercy (140:6)

·      who keeps us from falling into the snares of evildoing (141:9)

·      offers victorious living to the humble (149:4)

19.  Advocate of the Afflicted

·      who does not forget the cry of the afflicted (9:12)

·      Helper of the hapless and the orphan (10:14)

·      strengthens the heart of the downtrodden (10:17)

·      gives safety to the plundered poor (12:5)

·      nurtures us in the midst of our afflictions (23:5)

·      is near to the brokenhearted (34:18)

·      father of orphans and protector of widows (68:5)

·      gives justice to the weak and the orphan (82:3)

·      gives the desolate a home to live in (68:6)

·      in goodness provides for the needy (68:10)

·      who causes kings to have pity on the weak and needy (72:13)

·      maintains the right of the lowly and the destitute (82:3)

·      enables the weak and the needy to live (82:4)

·      shows compassion on exiles (102:13)

·      regards the prayer of the destitute (102:17)

·      works vindication and justice for the oppressed (103:6)

·      helps those with no one to help them (107:12)

·      saves the prisoners in their distress (107:13)

·      brings the prisoners out of darkness and gloom (107:14)

·      breaks the bonds of the prisoners asunder (107:14)

·      raises up the needy out of their distress (107:41)

·      stands at the right hand of those unjustly accused (109:6)

·      raises the poor from the dust (113:7)

·      lifts the needy from the ash heap (113:7)

·      makes the needy to sit with princes (113:8)

·      gives the barren woman a home (113:9)

·      makes the barren woman the joyous mother of children (113:9)

·      protects the simple (116:6)

·      saves those brought low (116:6)

·      remembers us in our low estate (136:23);

·      rescues exiles with sovereign power and might (144:7)

·      gathers the outcasts (147:2)

·      Restorer of the downtrodden (147:6)

20.  Rescuing Hand

·      takes trouble and grief into Your hands (10:14)

·      is at my right hand (16:8)

·      delights are forever in your right hand (16:11)

·      upholder of our lives (54:4)

·      whose right hand upholds us (63:8)

·      stands at the position of help (right hand) and saves the needy (109:31)

·      is the shade at our right hand (121:5)

·      cups us in your hand (139:5)

·      whose right hand leads and holds us fast (139:10)

·      upholds the fallen (145:14)

·      upholds the downtrodden (146:7-9)

21.  Promise Keeper

·      keeps covenant/promises (12:6)

·      does not forsake the righteous (37:25)

·      restores the fortunes of your people (53:6)

·      regards your Covenant from of old (74:20)

·      does not forsake. . .abandon your people (94:14)

·      whose covenant with Abraham is for a thousand generations (105:8)

·      is ever mindful of your covenant (111:5)

·      has commanded your covenant forever (111:9)

·      makes the offspring of the upright to prosper (112:3)

·      makes the offspring of the upright to rise up as a light for them (112:4)

·      makes the offspring of the upright gracious, merciful, and righteous (112:4)

·      whose promise of fulfillment and peace extends to all generations (128:5)

·      chooses us for your own possession (135:4)

22.  Sounding Joy

·      giver of luster to our eyes (13:3)

·      whose faithfulness causes us to sing (exult). . . for joy (13:6)

·      satisfies us with the vision of you (17:15)

·      makes our hearts exult (28:7)

·      surrounds us with glad cries of deliverance (32:7)

·      our exceeding Joy (43:4)

·      leads us along in joy and gladness (45:15)

·      puts a rejoicing spirit within us (51:10)

·      makes the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy (65:8)

·      makes your lightning smile to shine upon us (67:1)

·      from whom our joy springs forth (87:7)

·      in whose name we may exult all day long (89:16)

·      causes us to rejoice all our days (90:14)

·      who has done marvelous things (98:1)

·      whose great works are studied by those who delight in them (111:2)

·      fills our mouth with laughter . . .our tongue with shouts of joy (126:2)

·      turns the sowing of our tears into the reaping of our joy (126:5)

·      makes the seeds sown in weeping become the sheaves of joy (126:6)

·      in whose Sovereign Rule we rejoice (149:2)

·      to whom we dance and make melody (149:3)

23.  Fate of All

·      controls our fate (16:5)

·      holds our times in your hands (31:15)

·      keeps the pillars of the earth steady (75:3)

·      to whom the world and all that is in it belong (89:11)

·      secures the future of your people (102:28)

·      stretches out the heavens like a tent (104:2)

·      causes order to emerge from chaos (104:3)

·      sets the earth in its proper place (104:5)

·      sets the boundaries of the waters of chaos and disorder (104:9)

·      is high above all nations (113:4)

·      is unsurpassed in the heavens or on earth (113:5-6)

·      brings human activity to fulfillment according to your good purposes

(127:1-5)

·      will bring all earthly powers to praise and honor your ways (138:5);

·      whose reach none can escape (139.1-5)

·      ordains our days before our birth (139:16)

·      whose claim is upon everything that breathes (150:6)

    24.  Word of Wisdom

·      counsels our conscience in the night (16:7)

·      teaches us the path of life (16:11)

·      leads us in the right direction (23:3); shows sinners the way (25:8)

·      our Guide (31:3)

·      our Guide forever (48:14)

·      whose counsel stands forever (33:11)

·      leads us by your light and truth (43:3)

·      teaches us your ways (86:11)

·      teaches knowledge to humankind (94:10)

·      makes your salvation known to the nations (98:2)

·      whose ways are blameless (101:2)

·      helps us to walk with integrity of heart (101:2)

·      makes your ways known through the story of your people (103:7)

·      whose manifold works are made in wisdom (104:24)

·      calls the wise to consider your steadfast love (107:43)

·      whose every precept (principle for living) is trustworthy (111:7)

·      whose precepts are to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness (111:8);

·      makes us your servants (116:16)

·      whose word provides instruction for the way young people are to go (119:9)

·      enlarges our understanding of your decrees (119:32)

·      leads us to delight in the path of your commandments (119:35)

·      whose word is trustworthy (119:42)

·      gives us good hope in your word (119:49)

·      whose statutes are the songs of our homes even in an alien land (119:54)

·      blesses us in the keeping of Your precepts (119:56)

·      teaches us good judgment and knowledge (119:66)

·      gives us delight in your teaching (119:70)

·      humbles us, that we might learn your statutes (119:71)

·      gives us life by your precepts (119:93)

·      whose commandments make us wiser than our enemies (119:98)

·      whose words are sweeter than honey to our mouths (119:103)

·      whose precepts lead us to understanding (119:104)

·      whose word gives life in our afflictions (119:107)

·      whose decrees are . . .our eternal life . . .the joy of our heart (119:111)

·      in whose law is our delight (119:174)

·      whose commandments are more precious than much fine gold (119:127)

·      whose words impart understanding to the simple (119:130)

·      whose law is the truth (119:142)

·      fulfills the lives of those who walk in your ways (128:1)

·      whose precious ways and means are beyond our counting (139:18)

·      leads us into the ancient paths of goodness (139:24)

·      keeps us from following unjust ways (141:3-4)

·      gives us your ordinances for the blessing of your people (147:20)

25.  Confronter of Evil

·      confronts the wicked (enemies of goodness) (17:13)

·      breaks the arms of the wicked (37:17); )

·      keeps count of our discords (56:8)

·      breaks the teeth out of slanderous mouths (58:6)

·      makes plotters of evil totter (59:11)

·      stops the mouths of liars (63:11)

·      shoots your arrow at the cunning (64:7)

·      breaks the weapons of war (76:3)

·      makes your enemies seek Your name (83:16)

·      scatters your enemies with your mighty arm (89:10)

·      disciplines the nations. . .makes oppressors accountable (94:10)

·      able to tread down all our foes (108:13)

·      cuts the cords of the wicked (129:4)

·      regards the lowly and humbles the haughty (138:6)

26.  Abiding Vigor

·      our Strength (18:1)

·      girds us with strength for battle (18:39)

·      prospers the work of our hands (90:17)

·      renews our vigor (103:5)

·      whose strength is our salvation (138:7)

·      stirs up strength for your people (148:14)

27.  Rock of Ages

·      our Rock (18:2) (144:1)

·      sets us high on a rock (27:5)

·      alone is our Rock and our Salvation (62:2)

·      the Rock of our deliverance (salvation) (89:26)

·      surrounds your people like the mountains (125:2)

28.  Lustrous Light

·      keeps our lamps burning (18:28)

·      lights up our darkness (18:28)

·      makes us walk in the light of life (56:13)

·      gives happiness to those who walk in the light of your countenance (89:15)

·      is wrapped in light as with a garment (104:2)

·      whose word is a lamp unto our feet . . .a light unto our path (119:105)

·      whose unfolding words give light (119:30)

·      whose light transforms chaotic forces into ordered life (139:12)

29.  Wayfarers’ Aid

·      makes our way safe (18:32)

·      makes a wide place for our steps

·      keeps our feet from slipping (18:36)

·      sets our feet in a broad place (31:8)

·      makes our steps firm (37:23)

·      makes our steps secure (40:2)

·      will not let us fall headlong when we stumble (37:24)

·      does not let our feet slip (66:9)

·      whose way is set apart (77:13)

·      whose footprints are unseen (77:19)

·      makes a path in your land for your steps (85:12)

·      holds us up when our feet are slipping (94:18)

·      delivers our feet from stumbling (116:8)

·      makes us walk before you in the land of the living (116:9)

·      promises to keep our steps steady (119:133)

·      the eternal protector of our journey (121:8)

·      whose good spirit keeps us steady and true (143:10)

30.  Mother and Midwife

·      takes us from our mother’s womb (22:9)

·      keeps us safe at our mother’s breast (22:9)

·      fashions our inner selves (33:15)

·      knows our longing (38:9)

·      sends your peace at our tears (39:12)

·      writes your love letter within our hearts (40:8)

·      knows the secrets of our hearts (44:21)

·      desires truth in our inward being (51:6)

·      creates clean hearts (51:10)

·      daily bears us up (68:19)

·      knows our follies (69:5)

·      remembers that we are but flesh (78:39)

·      our Maker (95:6); (100:3)

·      remembers that we are mere mortals (103:14)

·      whose breath creates us (104:30)

·      whose hands have fashioned and made us (119:73)

·      gives us life (119:156)

·      calms and quiets our soul like a weaned child at a mother’s breast (131:2)

·      is like a loving, nurturing mother (131:2)

·      calls all of nature into being (136:4-9)

·      Weaver of life (139:15)

·      has compassion over all you have made (145:9)

·      preserves our life (143:11-12)

·      regards the limitations of our mortality (144:3)

·      Creator and Redeemer (146:6-7)

31.  Hovering Help

·      our Help (22:11)

·      our Light and Salvation (Help) (27:1)

·      takes heed of our adversaries (31:7)

·      rescues us from all our troubles (34:17)

·      our Saving Help (40:10)

·      makes haste to deliver us (40:13)

·      our Help and our God (43:5)

·      our Helper (54:4)

·      a very present help in trouble (46:1)

·      our Help when human help is worthless (60:11)

·      brings us up from the depths again and again (71:20)

·      helps your people pass through the seas (78:13)

·      our Salvation (Helper) (85:4)

·      shows us your salvation (91:16)

·      our Help, who made heaven and earth (121:2)

·      in whose name is our help (124:8)

32.  Saving Shepherd

·      our Shepherd (23:1)

·      shepherd who carries his sheep (28:9)

·      leads Your people like a flock (77:20)

·      calls us the people of your pasture . . .the sheep of your hand (95:7)

·      calls us the sheep of your pasture (100:3)

·      makes the families of the needy like your flocks (107:41)

33.  Our Souls’ Repose

·      restorer of. . . our soul (life) (23:3) (30:3)

·      shows us goodness in the land of the living (27:13)

·      redeems our life (34:22)

·      speaks salvation to our souls (35:3)

·      for whom our souls. . . long (42:1); . . .thirst (42:1); . . .wait in silence (62:1)

·      will speak peace to your people (85:8)

·      sets free those who are doomed to die (102:20)

·      redeems our life from the Pit (103:4)

·      saves your rebellious people in their distress (106:44)

·      has sent redemption to your people (111:9)

·      delivers. . . our eyes from tears . . .our souls from death (116:8)

·      has loosed the bonds of our affliction (116:16)

·      increases the strength of our soul (138:3); for whom our souls thirst like a parched land (143:6); fulfillment of our yearnings (145:19)

34.  Spirit Mender

·      our Comfort (23:5)

·      revives our flagging spirits (23:5)

·      turns our mourning into dancing (30:11)

·      saves the crushed in spirit (34:18)

·      holds our hand (37:24)

·      invites us to cast our burdens on you (55:22)

·      revives the hearts of those who seek you (69:32)

·      comforts us again (71:20)

·      whose consolations cheers our souls (94:19)

·      causes us to live without fear in the terror and destruction of life (91:5-6)

·      is merciful and gracious (103:8)

·      is gracious and merciful (111:4)

·      is kind in all Your doings (145:17)

      35.  Banquet Host

·      hosts us at your banquet table (23:5)

·      calls us to taste your goodness (34:8)

·      satisfies us as with a rich feast (63:5)

·      crowns the year with your bounty (65:11)

·      makes the pastures of the wilderness overflow (65:12)

·      gives your people the bread of angels (78:25)

·      fills our mouths held open wide (81:10)

·      satisfies us with honey from the rock (81:16)

·      satisfies us with good as long as we live (103:5)

·      satisfies the earth with the fruit of your work (104:13)

·      provides for all living things. . . (104:15-23)

·      provides for all in due season (104:27)

·      opens your hand and fills us with good things (104:28)

·      fills the hungry with good things (107:9)

·      provides food for those who live in awe of  you (111:5)

·      Provider of all in the time you deem proper (145:15)

·      whose open hand satisfies every living thing (145:16)

36.  Cosmic Voice

·      whose voice is full of majesty (29:4)

·      gives us an open ear (40:6)

·      whose Song is with us in the night (42:8)

·      summons the earth with your voice (50:1)

·      speaks in visions to your faithful ones (89:19)

·      manifests your work to your servants (90:16)

·      whose work is full of honor and majesty (111:3)

    37.  Abounding Forgiveness

·      who forgives our transgressions (intentional rebellion) (32.1)

·      removes blame for our iniquity (the destructive effects of disobedience; injustice) (32.2)

·      bears the guilt of our sin (missing the mark) (32.5)

·      desires a humble, grateful and contrite heart (51:17)

·      restrains your anger and wrath (78:38)

·      forgives the iniquity of your people. . . pardons all our sins (85:2)

·      is good and forgiving (86:5)

·      forgives our sin yet lets us suffer the (earthly) consequences (99:8)

·      forgives all of our iniquities (103:3)

·      is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (103:8)

·      does not keep your anger forever (103:9)

·      does not deal with us according to our sins (103:10)

·      does not repay us according to our iniquities (103:10)

·      removes our transgressions from us (103:12)

·      saves sinners for your name’s sake to make known your mighty power (106:8)

·      saves iniquitous peoples from their just afflictions (107:19)

·      whose forgiveness leads us to revere you (130:4)

·      knows that all have sinned and fall short of your will (143:2)

38.  Healing Heart

·      our Healer (41:3)

·      sustains us on our sickbed (41:3)

·      heals all our infirmities (41:3)

·      heals all our diseases (103:3)

·      whose word heals iniquitous peoples (107:20)

·      heals the brokenhearted. . .the wounded (147:3)

39.  Our Jubilation

·      whom we honor by our sacrifice of thanksgiving (50:23)

·      whom all the earth worships (66:4)

·      is awesome in your deeds among mortals (66:5)

·      before whom the righteous exult (68:3)

·      causes us to sing your praises evermore (84:4)

·      gives us an undivided heart to revere your name (86:11)

·      causes us to bless your name (89:52)

·      whose Name we are to bless (96:2)

·      whose salvation we proclaim from day to day (96:2)

·      whose marvelous works we declare among the peoples (96:3)

·      we worship in holy splendor (96:9)

·      who is to be worshipped with gladness (100:2)

·      whose renown endures for all generations (102:12)

·      whose praise we will sing as long as we live (104:33)

·      in whose holy name we glory (105:3)

·      whose miracles we remember (105:5)

·      worthy of all praise (105:45)

·      whose mighty doings are beyond human speech (106:2)

·      whose praise is beyond human declaration (106:2)

·      whose name we praise even in exile (106:48)

·      whom we thank for your goodness (107:1)

·      whom we praise and give thanks with our whole heart (111:1)

·      to whom we give thanks in the company of the congregation (111:1)

·      calls your people to praise Your name (113:1)

·      whom we render sacrificial offerings in response to your bounty (116:13)

·      to whom we pay our homage in the presence of your people (116:14) (116:18)

·      causes our lips to pour forth praise as you teach us (119:171)

·      gives your servants cause to praise you (135:1)

·      to whom your people give heartfelt thanksgiving (138:1)

·      whose gift of life evokes our praise (139:13-14)

·      evokes the praise of those who follow your ways (140:13)

·      whose mighty acts shall be lauded from one generation to the next (145:4)

·      elicits our praise and trust throughout our life (146:2)

·      delights in our awe and hope (147:11)

·      to whom we sing a new song (149:1)

40.  Life’s Companion

·      our Companion; Familiar Friend (55:13)

·      puts our tears in your bottle (56:8)

·      does not hide your face from your servants (69:17)

·      is with us in trouble (91:15)

·      does not hide your face in the day of our distress (102:2)

·      calls us your chosen ones (105:6)

·      makes us a companion of all who live in reverence and awe of you (119:63)

·      in whose presence is the blessing of life forevermore (133:3)

·      who searches out all of our ways and means of living (139:3)

·      knows us better than we know ourselves (139:4)

·      from whose Breath we cannot flee (139:7)

·      whose presence is with us in the fullness of life. . . in the home of the dead (139:8)

·      searches our anxieties and makes us accountable (139:23)

·      is near (145:18)

41.  All Seekers’ Goal

·      for whom all eyes watch . . .all hearts wait (59:9)

·      for whom our flesh faints (63:1)

·      to whom our souls cling (63:8)

·      to whom all living things look (104:27)

·      whose strength and presence we seek continually (105:4)

·      to whom we look for mercy (123:2)

·      to whom we call for help in times of temptation (141:1-4)

·      to whom all eyes look (145:15)

42.  Our Homeland

·      our Home (73:26)

·      whose glory will dwell in the land of your people (85:9)

·      makes righteousness and peace kiss in the land of your people (85:10)

·      has been our dwelling place for all generations (90:1)

·      whose house is befit by holiness (93:5)

·      in whose sanctuary strength and beauty reside (96:6)

·      whose saving acts weave the history of your people (105:8-44) (136:10-22)

·      gives your people a place to keep your statutes (105:45)

·      brings us to glory in your heritage (106:4)

·      brings the people to their desired haven (107:30)

·      establishes a City of Peace for your Temple (122:3-9)

·      chooses your desired habitation (132:13)

·      abundantly blesses your dwelling place (132:15)

·      offers the hope of your blessing from Zion (134:1-3)

·      gives a heritage to your people (135:12)

·      whose compassion gives your wandering servants a place to call home (135:14)

43.  Everlasting Creator

·      eternal God (90:4)

·      who is beyond human reckoning of time (90:4)

·      in whose hands are. . . the depths of the earth (95:4); . . .the sea (95:5); . . .the dry land (95:5)

·      has firmly established the world (96:10)

·      exists beyond all creation (102:25-26)

·      whose years have no end (102:27)

·      exists forever (119:89)

·      whose praise endures forever (111:10)

·      calls the living to acknowledge your sovereign reign and to praise You until the end of time (115:17-18)

·      the NAME (LORD/I AM), whose faithfulness endures forever (117:2)

·      whose word is firmly fixed for all time (119:89)

·      whose faithfulness endures to all generations (119:90)

·      neither slumbers nor sleeps (121:4)

·      whose attributes of grace encased in your name endures forever (135:13)

·      whose understanding is beyond human measure (147:5)

44. Creation’s Joy

·      creation’s gladness (96:12) (98:4)

·      causes the earth. . . to make a joyful noise . . .to break forth into joyous song (98:4)

·      at whose presence. . . the sea roars . . .the floods clap their hands. . .the hills sing together for joy (98:7)

·      whose creation recognizes your sovereign claim (103:21)

·      whose breath renews the face of the ground (104:30)

·      whose presence causes the earth to tremble (114:7)

·      receives praise from . . . the heavens and the earth (148:1-14); . . .your host of angels (148:2); . . .your planets and stars (148:2); . . .all you have established (148:6); . . .tempests and dark times (148:7-8); . . .all of nature (148:9-10); . . .earthly powers and all people together (148:11-12)

·      calls us to give a ringing cry of joy (149:5)

·      whose claim is upon . . . our worship (150:1); . . .our universe (150:1); . . .the cosmic forces (150:2)

·      whose claim is to be announced with . . . loud crashing joy (150:3-5). . . breathless dancing that expresses our joy (150:4) . . .horn blasts that send us marching onward (150:5)

List Two:

Additional Suggestions for Addressing God

1. Abiding Presence
2. Advocate of Mercy
3. Architect of Abundance
4. Arms of Love
5. Assurance of Tomorrow
6. Author of Each Day
7. Balm of the Wretched
8. Banner of Joy
9. Beauty’s Praise
10. Beckoning Glory
11. Binder of Terror
12. Blazing Hope
13. Branch of Safety
14. Bread for This Day
15. Breath of Stirring Hope
16. Burden’s Yoke
17. Carapace of Righteousness
18. Cherishing Heart
19. Clarity of Goodness
20. Compassion’s Kiss
21. Core of Community
22. Core of Mutuality
23. Courage in Our Fear
24. Crown of Mercy
25. Crown of Steadfast Love
26. Dazzling Grace
27. Death’s Demise
28. Descending Dove
29. Depth of Mercy
30. Desert’s Oasis
31. Disciples’ Pathway
32. Door of Heaven
33. Earth’s Potter
34. Emmanuel
35. Endless Goodness
36. Eternal Gift
37. Everlasting Love
38. Expecting Hope
39. Expectant Presence
40. Eye of the Hurricane
41. Faith of the Faithless
42. Father God
43. Father in Secret
44. Feast of the Famished
45. Finder of the Lost
46. Flame of Hope
47. Flourishing Life
48. Font of Blessing
49. Food for the Hungry
50. Fountain of Grace
51. Fountainhead of Hope
52. Forgiving Heart
53. Fruit of Glory
54. Fullness of Righteousness
55. Gate of the Shepherd
56. Guardian of Life
57. Generating Mystery
58. Generosity’s Well
59. Genesis of Life
60. Gentle Heart
61. Gentling Yoke
62. God of the Bruised
63. God of Mutuality
64. Gospel Weaver
65. Gracious Life-Giver
66. Gracious Truth
67. Gracious Way
68. Grandeur of Grace
69. Ground of Our Being
70. Guiding Whisper
71. Hallelujah’s Host
72. Hand of Healing
73. Harbor from the Storms
74. Harvest of the Hungry
75. Healer of Misery
76. Healing Holiness
77. Heaven’s Gateway
78. Heaven’s Home
79. Hollowed NAME
80. Hallowing Grace
81. Holy Harmony
82. House on the Rock
83. Hovering Hope
84. Humble Heart
85. Humility’s Power
86. Infirmities’ Strength
87. Integrity’s Blueprint
88. Immeasurable Love
89. Insistent Love
90. Leper’s Cure
91. Leader of the Dance
92. Leaven of Love
93. Leaven of Justice
94. Light in the Darkness
95. Lightning Love
96. Lion of Grace
97. Living Holiness
98. Judge of Our Judgments
99. Life Builder
100. Lifting Hope
101. Majesty’s Fullness
102. Mantle of Mercy
103. Matrix of Grace
104. Melody of the Ages
105. Melody of our Faith
106. Merciful Haven
107. Mercy’s Desire
108. Mercy’s Taproot
109. Messenger of Hope
110. Midwife of Grace
111. Milk of Hope
112. Miracles’ Spirit
113. Mist of Mercy
114. Mother and Father of All
115. Mother God
116. Mother in Secret
117. Mountain Mover
118. Mourners’ Comfort
119. Nature’s Mother
120. Nest of the Sparrows
121. Our Shield and Buckler
122. Pain Bearer
123. Pasture of Peace
124. Peace for Our Turmoil
125. Plumb Line of Justice
126. Presence of Mercy
127. Presiding Presence
128. Prevailing Compassion
129. Prophets’ Message
130. Teachers’ Rabbi
131. Treasured Friend
132. Rain of Grace
133. Refuge of All Quaking Hearts
134. Refuge of the World
135. Rest for the Weary
136. Renewing Wonder
137. Resurrection’s Map
138. Revealer of Goodness
139. River of Mercy
140. Roadside Shelter
141. Root of the Rootless
142. Ruler of the Cosmos
143. Sanctifying Judge
144. Searchers’ Goal
145. Searing Love
146. Seed of Redemption
147. Seekers’ Delight
148. Refuge of Victims
149. Sheltering Refuge
150. Shepherd of the Helpless
151. Sinners’ Host
152. Song in the Storm
153. Sophia’s Spring
154. Sorrow’s Joy
155. Source of Jubilation
156. Sower of Grace
157. Strength of the Meek
158. Strong Hand of Hope
159. Stronghold of Life
160. Sustaining Hope
161. Tamer of Chaos
162. Taproot of Life
163. Template of the Galaxies
164. Tether of Love
165. Tree of Salvation
166. Victory’s Cry
167. Vision’s Grandeur
168. Voice of Heaven
169. Welcoming Peace
170. Well of Goodness
171. Whispering Hope
172. Window of Heaven
173. Wine of Freshening Joy
174. Winnowing Grace
175. Wisdom’s Well
176. Word in the Silence
177. YES of Life

 List Three:

Some Comforting Sentences of Scripture

1.     The eternal God is your dwelling place,

and underneath the everlasting arms.                                           Deuteronomy 33.27a

 

2.     Be strong and courageous;

do not be frightened or dismayed,

for the LORD your God is with you

      wherever you go.                                                                                        Joshua 1.9b 

3.     The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

For you are with me;

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.                                                Psalm 23.1, 4b 

4.     The LORD is my light and my salvation;

whom then shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life;

of whom shall I be afraid?                                                                                     Psalm 27.1 

5.     For God will hide me in a shelter

in the day of trouble.

God will conceal me under the cover of a tent;

       and will set me high on a rock.                                                                            Psalm 27.5

 6.     God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

Therefore, we will not fear,

though the earth should change,

though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;

though it waters roar and foam,

       though the mountains tremble with its tumult.                                  Psalm 46.1-3

7.     Our help is in the name of the LORD,

who made heaven and earth.                                                                             Psalm 124.8

  

8.     Those who wait upon the LORD,

shall renew their strength,

they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,

they shall walk and not faint.                                                                             Isaiah 40.31

9.     Do not fear, for I am with you,

do not be afraid, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will hold you with my victorious right hand.                                             Isaiah 41.10

10. Come to me,

all you that are weary

and are carrying heavy burdens,

and I will give you rest.                                                                                  Matthew 11.28

11. I am the bread of life.

Whoever comes to me will never be hungry,

and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.                                           John 6.35

12. Do not let your hearts be troubled,

Believe in God, believe also in me.                                                                         John 14.1

13. Peace I leave with you;

my peace I give to you.

I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled,

and do not let them be afraid.                                                                               John 14.27

  

14. My grace is sufficient for you,

for power is made perfect in weakness.                                           2 Corinthians 12.9a

  

15. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whose great mercy

we have been anew to a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.                              1 Peter 1.3