Name of God: Immanuel
GOD WITH US
Isaiah 7:14 - The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Devotional
The name Immanuel should fill us with joy. It's the name that declares the most remarkable truth: we are not alone in this world, not separated by our sins, not abandoned to figure life out on our own. Picture the scene: Israel is under siege. Hope feels distant. The people are surrounded by enemies, and the future looks bleak. Then, breaking through the darkness like dawn, a prophecy arrives. Over 700 years before it would happen, God promised that a child would be born, and His name would be Immanuel - God with us. The God who created galaxies, who spoke stars into existence, who holds the entire universe in His hands—that God chose to be with us. Not distant. Not detached. Not watching from afar. With us.
Immanuel reminds us that you are fully known by God. He knows your name, your struggles, your questions, your joys. And knowing all of that, He still chose to come close. What an extraordinary act of love that God would send His Son to be with us, to enter our mess, to meet us right where we are. You are loved. Not because you've earned it or because you're perfect, but simply because God delights in being near you. Christmas was last month, but this truth feels fresh. We sing about it, we celebrate it, we tell the story of the baby born in Bethlehem. But here's the thing: Immanuel isn't just a December truth. It's an every-single-day truth. God doesn't just show up one day per year. He's Immanuel all year long, walking with you through every season, every challenge, every celebration.
Jesus didn't stay in heaven. He humbled Himself, took on flesh, experienced hunger and exhaustion and rejection. He knows what it's like to be human because He became human. That's how committed He is to being with you.
Devotional Prayer Questions
1. What's one simple practice you can build into your daily routine to remind yourself that God is with you—not just in December, but all year long?
2. What's one difficult situation you're facing right now where you need to experience the hope and assurance of Immanuel—God with us?
The Lord's Prayer
Use the Lord's Prayer to guide your prayer time.
“Father”
Father, we thank you for sending Your Son for us all those years ago. We know how challenging that must have been for you, but we praise you for sending the best gift we could receive.
“Hallowed be Your Name”
Lord, please help us to remember that you are Immanuel, not just at Christmas, but all year round. You are always with us.
“Your Kingdom come / Your will be done”
Continue to make Your presence known in our lives and in our world. Help us live as people who carry the reality of Immanuel everywhere we go.
“Give us this day our daily bread”
Thank You that we don't just have provision, we have Your presence. You meet our needs and You meet us.
“Forgive us our sins…”
Forgive us for the times we've forgotten You're with us, for the moments we've lived like we're alone.
“Lead us not into temptation”
Immanuel, be our strength when we're tempted to go our own way. Remind us that we're not fighting alone. Your presence is our protection. Keep us close to You.
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 Immanuel, which means God With Us.
We talk about this a lot at Christmas because God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to earth to be with us and save us.
Because Jesus came to be with us, we know God understands what it's like to be human and He will never leave us alone.
Thank God today for the wonderful gift of Jesus.
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.
