Fri. Nov 22nd, 2024

5 Ways to Teach Your Child the Names of God

Learning the names of God helps us grow in our faith in Him.

My husband and I have 10 children. Yes, you heard that right… we are a family of 12—with three biological and seven adopted children!

Growing up I wanted a big family, and one of my favorite things to do as a child was dream of names for my someday, future kids. I thought about how names sounded, but I didn’t really think much about their meaning.

When I was a pregnant teen (read my story in Teen Mom: You’re Stronger Than You Think), I chose the name Cory for my son because it sounded cool. After I married John, we chose Leslie for our daughter because it was the only name we could agree on and Nathan for our son for the same reason! It turns out Cory means “God’s peace,” Leslie means, “Garden of Holly,” and Nathan means, “Gift of God.” Not bad for blind selection!

With our seven adopted children name choices were a balance of their choices and ours, since most of our adopted kids were old enough to help decide. Our youngest son has the middle name James, after the book of the Bible we were reading when God confirmed we were to adopt him. Three of our adopted daughters have the middle names Faith, Hope and Grace. (I couldn’t convince another daughter to let us use Love as a middle name!)

Over the years, learning about the meaning of names as been a wonderful discovery.

One Christmas, as a preteen, I received a Bible and a bookmark. The bookmark read, “Tricia: Noble woman.” It also included this verse:

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold” (Prov. 22:1).

A name represents all of who you are. When you hear someone’s name an image fills your mind of their personality, their values, and their trustworthiness. A name is more than a moniker that reflects the latest trends, it’s the essence of who a person is. And likewise, the names of God reflect who He is.

Each of God’s names tell us something about who He is.

It reflects His work and His responses. It’s important to teach our children the meaning behind their names. It’s even more important to help them understand the meaning of God’s.

5 Ways to Teach Children the Names of God

1. Memorize

Psalm 9:10 says, “Those who know Your name will put their trust in You.”

The more we understand the meanings behind the names of God, the more we’ll learn to trust.

2. Read

Pick up the children’s devotional I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God by Diane Stortz. Read it daily with your child. The stories in this book begin with Genesis and end with Revelation. Each devotion includes a Bible story that gives young children an age-appropriate example of the meaning of the name. Names include: Creator, God of all Comfort, Holy One, The Lord Will Provide … and many more. My children and I really enjoy reading it together.

3. Reflect

Get a glass jar and slips of paper. Write out the names of God on the paper and fold them and put them in the jar. Every night at dinner pull out a name and reflect how God has displayed His character in that way in your day. For example, if you pull out “The Lord Is My Rock.” Reflect on how rocks are firm, strong and solid and how we can depend on Him. Ask your children to share their thoughts on that name of God too.

4. Create a Name Board

Get a sheet of computer paper or poster board and have each person create a name board for themselves. Ask: What are your attributes? What do people think of when they think of you? Then connect these things to the attributes of God. Finally, discuss ways each of us can become more like God.

5. Listen to Songs about the Names of God

A few of my favorites are:

Good, Good Father by Chris Tomlin

How Deep the Father’s Love by Selah

Praise Adonai by Paul Baloche

Names of God by Laurell Hubick

Teaching our children the names of God is a wonderful way for them to understand the depths of His character. It also helps children to reflect on their own character and attributes, and how we can each reflect God, too.

Tricia Goyer has written more than 35 books, including both novels that delight and entertain readers and nonfiction titles that offer encouragement and hope. She has also published more than 500 articles in national publications such as Guideposts, Thriving Family, Proverbs 31, and HomeLife Magazine.

Related Post

Leave a Reply

Related Podcasts

More News
When Was Hell Prepared?
When Was Hell Prepared?
What Is Spiritual Warfare?
What Is Spiritual Warfare?
The Greatest Spiritual War for the Future Is the Past, Present and Future
The Greatest Spiritual War for the Future Is the Past, Present and Future
Tucker Carlson Shares His Testimony: ‘I Was Mauled by a Demon’
Tucker Carlson Shares His Testimony: ‘I Was Mauled by a Demon’
Mike Signorelli Talks Demonic Possession, Oppression and Generational Curses
Mike Signorelli Talks Demonic Possession, Oppression and Generational Curses
A Night of Unity at Christ Church: Arabs and Jews Worship Jesus Together in Jerusalem
A Night of Unity at Christ Church: Arabs and Jews Worship Jesus Together in Jerusalem
Amanda Grace, Faith Leaders Host Prayer Night for the Trump Family
Amanda Grace, Faith Leaders Host Prayer Night for the Trump Family
Is Fear Stopping You from Fulfilling God’s Purpose in Your Life?
Is Fear Stopping You from Fulfilling God’s Purpose in Your Life?
Isaiah Saldivar’s Remarkable Message: ‘I Hear Chains Breaking’
Isaiah Saldivar’s Remarkable Message: ‘I Hear Chains Breaking’
Greg Locke: How Biblical Generosity Transforms Lives
Greg Locke: How Biblical Generosity Transforms Lives
previous arrow
next arrow
Shadow

Latest Videos

Copy link