Name of God: El Olam
THE EVERLASTING GOD
Genesis 21:33 - Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God.
Devotional
A few years ago, I noticed that my two oldest children were struggling with patience. They wanted what they wanted—when and how they wanted it. One day, I took them to a place where I used to jog and challenged them to run a mile by taking only one step. It didn’t take long for them to realize it was impossible. Then I reframed the challenge: Could you run a mile one step at a time? With relief and confidence, they said yes. The lesson was simple—big journeys are completed patiently, step by step.
I later reflected on the jewels of wisdom I bestowed on my children that day, and as I nearly strained a shoulder muscle trying to pat myself on the back and write my “Father of the Year” acceptance speech at the same time, conviction hit me. “What if you took your own advice and stopped trying to rush God with what you’re trusting Him for, Adam?” Ouch! At the time, I was quietly frustrated that God hadn’t resolved certain things on my timeline. Scripture reminded me that God is not merely a God of quick fixes—He is a God who works with eternity in view.
In Genesis 21:33, Abraham plants a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and calls on the name of the Lord, El Olam, the Everlasting God. This moment comes after years of wandering, waiting, and uncertainty—after promises delayed and faith tested. The tamarisk is a slow-growing, long-living tree, one that puts down deep roots and offers shade for generations to come. Unlike Abraham’s tents—symbols of a life spent wandering—the planted tree signals endurance and settled trust.
El Olam reveals a God whose character is marked by permanence and reliability, whose faithfulness stretches beyond a single lifetime and purposes are not rushed by human urgency or limited by human frailty. While Abraham’s life had been defined by movement and instability, God remained constant. This name assures us that God’s promises are not threatened by time, delay, or circumstance. When our lives feel unsettled or our faith feels weary, El Olam invites us to trust the God who outlasts every season and remains faithful long after our strength fades.
Devotional Prayer Questions
1. Where in my life am I tempted to rush God or grow weary in waiting, and how might He be inviting me to trust His eternal timing instead of my own?
2. What would it look like for me to plant something in faith today—an act of obedience, trust, or surrender—believing that God’s work may extend beyond my lifetime?
The Lord's Prayer
Use the Lord's Prayer to guide your prayer time.
“Father”
Thank Him that His banner over you is love, protection, and identity. Where others see defeat—He marks victory.
“Hallowed be Your Name”
Praise Him: You are my victory. You are my covering. You are my confidence. You lift my head when shame tries to bow it.
“Your Kingdom come / Your will be done”
Lay battles before God: “Fight where I cannot fight. Win where I am weak. Lead where I have no wisdom.” Pray for Kingdom victory over fear, addiction, unforgiveness, shame, and spiritual lethargy.
“Give us this day our daily bread”
Pray for strength to endure temptation and suffering. Pray for people you know in spiritual battle. Trust your Banner to intervene.
“Forgive us our sins…”
Victory begins with humility. Confess sin and receive cleansing. Forgive those who wounded you—wave God’s banner over the wound.
“Lead us not into temptation”
Pray the armor—especially the shield of faith—to extinguish accusation, condemnation, and despair.
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 El Olam, The Everlasting God.
This means God has no beginning and no end.
He was here before anything was made and He will be here forever.
Because God's love is eternal, it will never run out or fade away, no matter what we do.
We can always count on His forever love.
Pray for a friend who you know needs his eternal love today.
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.
