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Week Fourteen, Day One
 

The Name
What better word than "rock" to represent God's permanence, protection, and enduring faithfulness? When you pray to the Lord your Rock, you are praying to the God who can always be counted on. His purposes and plans remain firm throughout history. The New Testament identifies Jesus as the spiritual rock that accompanied the Israelites during their long journey through the desert. He is also the stone the builders rejected but that has become the cornerstone of God's church.

Key Scripture
Praise be to the LORD my Rock,
who trains my hands for war
my fingers for battle. (Psalm 144:1)

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Monday
GOD REVEALS HIS NAME

Praise be to the LORD my Rock,
who trains my hands for war
my fingers for battle.
He is my loving God and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer. . . .
Reach down your hand from on high;
deliver me and rescue me
from the mighty waters,
from the hands of foreigners
whose mouths are full of lies,
whose right hands are deceitful.
I will sing a new song to you, O God;
on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you,
to the One who gives victory to kings,
who delivers his servant David from the deadly
sword. (Psalm 144:1-2, 7-10)

Lord, you are more reliable than the ground I stand on and your faithfulness is more than I can comprehend.Thank you for hearing my voice and rescuing me when I cry to you.When I am shaken, you steady me.When I am in trouble, you save me.Amen.

Understanding the Name

Rocks provided shade, shelter, and safety in the wilderness and were used to construct altars, temples, houses, and city walls. Heaps of stones were also used to commemorate important events in Israel's history. God's commandments, given to Moses, were etched on stone so that all generations would learn his law. The word "rock" epitomizes his enduring faithfulness. The Hebrew noun tsur is often translated "rock" or "stone," while petra is the Greek word for rock. To worship Yahweh Tsuri (yah-WEH tsu-REE) is to echo Hannah's great prayer of praise: "There is no Rock like our God" (1 Samuel 2:2).

Studying the Name

1. David praised God for delivering him from his enemies. What kind of enemies do you face or have you faced in the past? How have you dealt with them?
2. David expressed his sense of vulnerability with vivid images. Describe a time in your life when you felt particularly vulnerable.
3. How has God heard your cries for help?
4. How would your life be different if you experienced more deeply the truth that God is your Rock?

For more from Ann, or to own your own copy of the Praying the Names of God / Praying the Names of Jesus devotionals, please visit www.annspangler.com.