Praying for a New Name
Praying for a New Name – Lessons from Jacob (Don’t Take “No” for an Answer)
Today, we be praying for a new name. Names carry deep significance in the Bible. They represent identity, purpose, and destiny. Throughout Scripture, God changed the names of individuals to signify a transformation in their lives. One of the most remarkable stories of a name change is found in Genesis 32:22-32, where Jacob wrestled with God and received a new name—Israel.
Jacob’s story teaches us a profound lesson about perseverance in prayer—the power of not taking “no” for an answer. If we are seeking a new beginning, deliverance, or a shift in our spiritual lives, we must pray with determination, faith, and persistence, just like Jacob did.
Jacob: A Man in Need of a New Identity
Jacob’s life was full of struggles and deceptions. His very name meant “supplanter” or “deceiver” (Genesis 25:26). He had spent much of his early life tricking his way into blessings—taking Esau’s birthright (Genesis 25:29-34) and deceiving his father to steal the blessing (Genesis 27:1-40). Though he was blessed materially, he was spiritually broken and burdened by his past.
As Jacob prepared to face Esau after years of separation, he was fearful and desperate for God’s help (Genesis 32:7-12). That night, something supernatural happened—Jacob wrestled with God, refusing to let go until he received a blessing.
The Wrestling Prayer – A Model of Persistent Faith
Jacob’s encounter with God is a powerful illustration of wrestling in prayer. He was not merely asking for material blessings; he wanted a change in his identity, destiny, and relationship with God.
- He Wrestled All Night (Genesis 32:24)
- Jacob fought with the angel of the Lord, representing his struggle for transformation.
- This signifies the importance of persistent prayer—sometimes, our breakthrough requires an intense season of seeking God (Luke 18:1-8).
- He Refused to Let Go (Genesis 32:26)
- Even when the angel told him to let go, Jacob held on tightly, refusing to take “no” for an answer.
- This mirrors the attitude of desperation and faith in prayer, just like the woman with the issue of blood who pressed through the crowd to touch Jesus (Mark 5:25-34).
- He Acknowledged His Condition (Genesis 32:27)
- When asked, “What is your name?” Jacob confessed, meaning he recognized his old identity of deceit.
- True transformation begins when we acknowledge our weaknesses before God (1 John 1:9).
- God Gave Him a New Name (Genesis 32:28)
- God renamed Jacob to Israel, meaning “Prince with God” or “One who has prevailed with God.”
- This signified a new destiny, authority, and divine favor (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- He Received a Blessing (Genesis 32:29-30)
- After wrestling and holding on, Jacob received God’s blessing, signifying a turning point in his life.
- This teaches us that persistent prayer leads to divine encounters and lasting change (Jeremiah 29:12-13).
Applying Jacob’s Story: Don’t Take “No” for an Answer in Prayer
Jacob’s transformation shows us that when we pray persistently and refuse to give up, God responds. The Bible gives us many other examples of people who did not take “no” for an answer in prayer:
- The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8) – She kept knocking until she got justice. Jesus said we must pray like her, never giving up.
- Hannah (1 Samuel 1:9-20) – She kept crying out to God for a child until He answered her prayer and gave her Samuel.
- Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) – He refused to be silenced, kept calling on Jesus, and received his sight.
If you are praying for a breakthrough—a new beginning, healing, financial provision, or spiritual renewal—keep pressing on. Wrestle in prayer like Jacob, refuse to let go, and believe that God will change your situation.
Praying for a New Name: A Call to Transformation
If you feel stuck in a cycle of struggle, sin, or stagnation, it’s time to pray for a new name. Ask God to remove every label, limitation, or past mistake defining you, and give you a new identity in Him.
Conclusion
Jacob’s story teaches us that persistent, desperate prayer can lead to divine transformation. If you are seeking a new beginning, freedom from the past, or a deeper encounter with God, don’t take “no” for an answer. Hold on to God’s promises, refuse to let go, and trust that He will give you a new name and a new destiny.
No matter what your past looks like, God has a better future for you. Keep wrestling in prayer, keep believing, and your breakthrough will come!
Prayer Points:Praying for a New Name
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Lord, transform my identity according to Your divine plan.
- Scripture: “And he said, ‘Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.'” (Genesis 32:28, NKJV)
- Prayer: Father, just as You changed Jacob’s name to Israel, transform my identity according to Your divine plan. Let every negative label and limitation in my life be broken in Jesus’ name.
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Lord, deliver me from the mistakes and sins of my past.
- Scripture: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV)
- Prayer: Father, I surrender my past to You. Wipe away every failure, sin, and limitation that has defined me. Let my new name be one of victory and righteousness in Christ.
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Father, help me to wrestle in prayer until my breakthrough comes.
- Scripture: “Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.” (Genesis 32:24, NKJV)
- Prayer: Lord, grant me the strength and perseverance to wrestle in prayer until my situation changes. May I never give up until I receive my divine encounter.
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Lord, remove every reproach associated with my name and family lineage.
- Scripture: “And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’ So God granted him what he requested.” (1 Chronicles 4:10, NKJV)
- Prayer: Father, just as You changed Jabez’s story, remove every reproach and limitation associated with my past and family background.
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God, give me a new name that aligns with my divine destiny.
- Scripture: “The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.” (Isaiah 62:2, NIV)
- Prayer: Lord, rename me according to Your divine purpose. Let my new name reflect Your glory and my kingdom assignment.
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Lord, let my new name bring favor and divine opportunities.
- Scripture: “You shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” (Isaiah 62:3, NKJV)
- Prayer: Father, let my transformation bring divine favor, honor, and new opportunities in every area of my life.
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Let my faith be unshakable as I wait on You for a new identity.
- Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith as I wait on You for transformation. Let me not grow weary in my pursuit of Your promises.
- Scripture: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, NKJV)
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Lord, break every yoke of generational limitations over my life.
- Scripture: “For it shall come to pass in that day that his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck, and the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing.” (Isaiah 10:27, NKJV)
- Prayer: By the power of Your anointing, Lord, break every generational limitation and release me into my divine calling.
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Father, let my name be associated with greatness and blessing.
- Scripture: “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great, and you shall be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2, NKJV)
- Prayer: Lord, let my name be associated with divine greatness, favor, and generational blessings.
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Lord, change my story and make me a testimony.
- Scripture: “Sing, O barren, you who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:1, NKJV)
- Prayer: Father, let my life be a testimony of Your power and restoration. Turn my mourning into dancing.
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Let my transformation draw people to Your kingdom.
- Scripture: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, NKJV)
- Prayer: Lord, let my new name and testimony bring souls to Your kingdom and glorify Your name.
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Lord, restore all that the enemy has stolen from me.
- Scripture: “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten… You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God.” (Joel 2:25-26, NKJV)
- Prayer: Father, restore everything that I have lost and let my latter days be greater than the former.
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Father, give me a new heart to align with my new name.
- Scripture: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26, NKJV)
- Prayer: Lord, transform my heart so I can fully walk in my new identity and purpose.
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Lord, let my new name bring joy and fulfillment.
- Scripture: “For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:12, NKJV)
- Prayer: Father, let my transformation be marked by joy, peace, and divine fulfillment in Jesus’ name.
Jacob’s story teaches us that God can change our identity and rewrite our story. No matter our past, we can receive a new name and divine destiny through persistent prayer and faith in God. As we engage in these prayers, may we experience supernatural transformation and enter into God’s perfect plan for our lives.
Amen!
Be a Part of the Night of Divine Encounter
Join us for a transformative time of prayer and worship during our corporate prayer sessions:
- Early Morning Cry: Stream live on our website daily from March 29 to April 4, 2025, between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM MST.
- Night of Divine Encounter: Participate online or in person on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM MST. Our physical meeting will be held at:
Winston Heights Mountview Community Association (Main Hall), 520 27 Avenue, NE, Calgary.
You can also stream live via our Church’s website, Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube channels.
Get Involved at BKCC:
- Interested in becoming a member? Fill out the “I’m New“ form on our website, and we’ll reach out to you.
- Ready to serve? Complete the “Volunteer“ form, and we’ll connect with you about opportunities.
- Want to support the work of God? Visit the “Give“ section of our website to learn how you can contribute.
- Share your testimony with us by emailing [email protected].
We look forward to connecting with you as we experience God’s divine presence together!
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