Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. // Isaiah 43:1
God Calls His Children By Name
Throughout Sacred Scripture, God calls His children by name because He knows their names. He knows them. Being known by God, and thus called by name, is an intimacy that demonstrates the Father’s care, concern, love, and affection for His chosen ones.
In the Old Testament, God speaks the names of Abraham, Moses, and Samuel to address them directly, to express that they are chosen, and to articulate His specific plans for them.
In the New Testament, Jesus calls Zacchaeus out of a tree. He speaks Martha’s name when He shows her a better way. He tenderly says Mary’s name, so she recognizes Him as her Resurrected Lord. He vulnerably asks Peter if he loves Him.
These stories were real encounters between God and His beloved people. But these stories also capture another reality. They show us—you and me—that He calls not only them, but us by name, too.
After all, we are His daughters, His precious ones. And He delights in us.
God Calls Us By Name, Too
Yes, God calls us by name, and we belong to Him. He loves us, created us, and is constantly refining us. So, of course He knows our names and uses them when He speaks to us, in all kinds of circumstances:
- To get our attention
- To console and comfort us
- To give us a mission
- To invite us to love Him more fully and deeply
Can you hear Him?
In this noisy world, sometimes it is hard to hear God whispering our name. But He is. And when we spend dedicated time with Him in prayer, reading and reflecting on His Word—His love letter to us—we begin to hear Him more easily, more clearly.
New Devotional for Catholic Women
To help us along, WINE: Women In the New Evangelization has published a new women’s devotional.
Edited by Kelly M. Wahlquist, Allison Gingras, and Alyssa Bormes, Called by Name: 365 Daily Devotions for Catholic Women is the collaboration of 80 unique contributors who are active in the WINE ministry. Its purpose is to remind Catholic women that Jesus calls each of us by name and invites us into a personal, unique relationship with Him.
Called By Name is rooted in Scripture and encourages the cultivation of a daily prayer habit. This collection of Scripture verses, reflections, prayers, and encouragements help us enter into the Word of God and begin contemplating how the Lord speaks to us—personally, tenderly, affectionately, and boldly.
Each of the 365 daily devotions (plus one for leap year) is organized into three components: read, reflect, and respond.
Read
Every day’s devotion begins with a Scripture passage to read and ponder. While the Scripture verse is included, those praying with this devotional may want to read it with a Bible in hand, to easily linger in God’s Word, as the Holy Spirit prompts.
Reflect
After meditating on the Scripture passage, reflect on the words of a sister in Christ. Each reflection is personal and genuine. Some are lighthearted, while others are heart wrenching. No matter what, you will feel drawn in and connected to others on the journey.
Respond
Lastly, it is your turn. God has called. Now, how will you respond to His invitation? A short prayer and a call to action conclude each day’s devotion.
Getting the Most Out of Prayer
In addition to the daily devotional, WINE has also curated a bundle that provides everything you need to get the most out of your daily prayer time.
The bundle includes a journal to guide you through praying with the day’s specific Scripture verse. It provides plenty of space to capture your thoughts for each daily reflection, as you grow in your relationship with the Lord. The bundle also includes a bookmark, 24 journaling stickers, and a vinyl Called By Name sticker to decorate your phone, laptop, or water bottle.
A Daily Companion
Called By Name is the perfect daily companion for women seeking to connect with the Lord and live each day in the light of His love. Open it on any day of the week and be inspired. Pray with it everyday of the year and be transformed. Because through a regular prayer practice, you will hear God speaking personally and intimately to you by name.
Because, after all, you truly are His.
BIS Reads: Called By Name #BISblog //Click to tweet
HIS WORD CHANGES LIVES
God is speaking to you through His Word. In this personal study, you will learn to hear God's voice by reading slowly and praying deeply.
Sarah Damm is a regular contributor to the BIS blog. She is a Catholic wife and mother of six children, living in Minnesota. She spends her days running errands, helping with homework, and keeping up with laundry and the family schedule. Sarah loves her faith, coffee, and good books. You can find out more about her here. Read all of Sarah's posts here.
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