What’s in a name?

Jacob’s 12 Sons: Seasons of Prayer

The twelve sons of Jacob all represent periods of suffering and overcoming in his life and in the lives of each believer.  The meanings of these names give insight to the types of prayer that emerge as a believer matures in intimacy with God and power in prayer.

We need not think the Christian life is a static journey.  Instead, our path through the wilderness and high points of life is filled with ever-changing lessons and ever-increasing revelations of Who God is.

Your flexibility as a ministry leader or follower will determine your longevity.  By staying malleable and teachable before Him, we are shaped like clay more and more to the image He desires.

Some of these seasons are difficult, filled with hardship and strain.  Some are relatively relaxed when our soul, body, and mind can be refreshed and renewed.

Our responsibilities as believers is to discern what season we are in, “hear what the Spirit is saying to the church,” and respond accordingly.  There will be times for war, and times for peace.  Times to do battle in the spirit of vigilant prayer, and other times to enjoy the peace of surrender.  Everything has a season.

Enter into he twelve names of Jacob’s sons and see if you can place yourself somewhere on the continuum.  While these are not necessarily chronological, distinct times of growth, the principles and posture of each name tells us something of the patterns of prayer and faith that come into the lives of all believers.