Name of God: Jehovah Mekoddishkem
THE LORD WHO SANCTIFIES YOU
Exodus 31:13 - “You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you."
Devotional
The word “sanctifies” means to consecrate, or to make holy and set apart for use only by the Lord. This name of God communicates to us God’s desire for His people to be different from the world around us so that we can be most suitable for His use. This has always been God’s desire for his chosen people, a desire highlighted in the New Testament by the Apostle Peter when he writes, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
But what is beautiful about our God is that he does not tell us to be holy and then leave us to figure it out on our own. Instead, he is the one who purifies us. God himself rescues and purifies by offering himself as the sacrifice for our sins. God’s people are cleansed through the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:25-27), and the life we live in Christ is a response to this great rescue. God calls us to holiness not to earn His acceptance, but in response to what He has already rescued us from. He is the Lord who sanctifies, and he invites us to experience the power of his finished work on the cross.
Devotional Prayer Questions
1. When was the last time you sat in God’s presence and thanked him for rescuing you and sanctifying you? Take a few minutes to rest in his presence and express your gratitude for the cross.
2. In what areas of your life is God calling you to greater levels of holiness and obedience to his word? Ask the Lord to strengthen you by the power of the Holy Spirit to walk in greater levels of obedience.
The Lord's Prayer
Use the Lord's Prayer to guide your prayer time.
“Father”
Father, thank you for rescuing us from our sins by sending your one and only Son to die on the cross.
“Hallowed be Your Name”
Jehovah Mekoddishkem, your name is hallowed and holy. We thank you for setting us apart from the world.
“Your Kingdom come / Your will be done”
Lord, you welcome us into your presence because of the cross. Lord, use us as an example of your grace so others can experience it too.
“Give us this day our daily bread”
Lord, we give you control over the things we hold so tightly onto. Help us to be present in each moment today.
“Forgive us our sins…”
Forgive us when we seek satisfaction from the world. Jehovah Mekoddishkem, you are the only One who satisfies us.
“Lead us not into temptation”
Lord, please be with us as we go about our day. Allow us to glorify you in each small task, setting an example for those around us.
Prayer Requests
After praying through the Lord's Prayer, please pray openly for those around you, our Church, those that are lost and then if you are joining us in person, please pray over a few prayer requests on the prayer cards located on the front of the stage and return them in the basket at the exit.
With Your Family
Prayer is so important for us to develop especially with our family. Throughout the 21 Days of Prayer we want to provide simple prayer prompts that you and your children can pray through that can break down the name of God into an easily understood manner and how we can pray through that. In addition to the prayer below, prompt your children to pray for family, friends, teachers, others in their life and remember to always lead the prayer with gratitude.
Thank God that He is Jehovah Mekoddishkem, The LORD Who Makes You Holy.
This means God helps us become more like Jesus by changing our hearts from the inside.
Because God makes us holy, we can ask Him to help us be kinder, more patient, or more loving.
Pray today and ask God to help you grow to be more like Jesus in one specific way.
Communion
If you are joining us in person, please pick up the communion elements provided and take it to close out your prayer time.
Scripture:
Read the following passage before participating in communion:
Mark 14:22-25: And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Prayer:
Take a moment and ask God to examine your heart and reveal any sin that is hindering your relationship with Him. Confess that sin to the Lord. Then, as you read the passage, take a moment to praise and thank God for His body and His blood, and eat the bread and drink the cup.
