These lyrics dance across my mind, inspiring praise and prayer that flows from my heart, out of the pen and onto my journal pages. What does the name of Jesus actually mean to me? I furiously scribble, hoping the mechanics of my hand can keep up with the overflow from my heart.

You are everything, Jesus. The Truth…the Life…the Light…the way…the Son…the Savior…the Redeemer…the Healer…the Teacher…the Friend…the Word.

Everything we could ever need and immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine- that is who You are!

Thank you for coming into this world as an infant…for me.

Thank you for living as a total human yet still walking perfectly…for me.

Thank you for devoting yourself to your ministry…for me.

Thank you for healing the sick…for me.

Thank you for loving everyone…for me.

Thank you for teaching God’s word and never compromising truth…for me.

Thank you for enduring trials of all kinds- persecution, beating, horrific suffering…for me.

Thank you for going to the cross to die the worst death in history…for me.

Thank you for overcoming 3 torturous days of separation from the Father…for me.

Thank you for raising up from the dead, leaving behind an empty tomb…for me.

Thank you for everything you do over and over and over again.

You are the most beautiful one to EVER walk this Earth and your beauty shines through all of creation.

Thank you for loving me more than anyone else ever could!

Thank you for forgiving me no matter how many times I ask.

Thank you for reconciling me back to my Daddy when I deserved total separation.

Thank you for bridging the gap that my sin built, for sacrificing your own life for my ticket to spend eternity in your arms.

Thank you for granting me perfect love, perfect peace, overwhelming joy, and refreshment for the soul.

Thank you for casting out fear!

Thank you for giving me power by the gift of the Holy Spirit living in me!

Thank you for the power of your name- a name at which every knee will bow and every force of evil will flee. Jesus of Nazareth! The name above all names!!

I am FREE, I am truly living, I am KNOWN, I am LOVED, I am COURAGEOUS, I am BOLD, I am NOT afraid… all because of your great name!!

Jesus, I give you my everything- grow me, mold me, use me, build me, humble me, teach me, guide me… however you choose, please use me for your name. Whatever it takes I will follow.

With your guidance and your peaceful hand I will enter the fire knowing I will not be set ablaze! I will jump into your rushing rapids with faith that the waters will not sweep me over or drown me because it is YOU who holds me afloat. And at the end of my days I will conquer death by YOUR hand and YOUR mercy which saves me from the punishment I most deserve.

Jesus, you make the darkness tremble because even the demons understand the power of your name. Even they have to bow and praise you because “The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it!” Hallelujah!

The name above all names, forever.

There is no one like you, there never will be.

Daily we strive to look more and more like you, thought we are made in your likeness and image we can never come close to your picture of perfection.

Still, we keep seeking you with all we have because as we grow more and more into your likeness, we come to know more and more of you.

Then our eyes see more of the things above rather than staying stuck on the things of this earth.

We have come into this world to be witnesses of the Light so that all might believe. Through our human eyes we have an insurmountable task placed on our lives, one that can never be accomplished.

But through Your eyes, ALL things are possible as your provide for our every need in every situation.

You, the perfect Planter, plant your vineyard on the finest hill of fertile soil surrounded by optimal sunlight and shade. You set us up for success… all we have to do is walk with you, truly walk with you in obedience and intimacy. Our job is simply to OBEY your words and GO when you say it’s time.

You alone are more than enough for every part of my mind, body, spirit, and soul. Even when it doesn’t make sense to me… I will obey. Even when the world opposes or other believers give me grief… if you command me, I will obey.

I answer to only to Your voice!

Jesus, I am hungry in pursuit of a pure heart which is so deeply rooted in the word of God that all other voices ricochet off my back. Thank you for rescuing me!

Breathe, then call these bones to live
Call these lungs to sing
Once again, I will praise

Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble
Jesus, Jesus, You silence fear
Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble
Jesus, Jesus