Dr. Breshears of Western Seminary in an online theology primer lecture talked about God:
He is personal, involved, wanting a relation with us, and He has a Name.
In his view, God, Theos, etc. puts some distance between us.
Abba was used by Jesus and encouraged us to do the same.
But he personally thinks God's Name is Yahweh, although we are not sure how to pronounce it.
He encouraged us to think about the way we pray, and the Name or term we use.
I used to worry about the name, fully cognizant that the right one is Yahweh, although we probably do not know how to pronounce it right.
Then in the NT the Name above every other name became: Yahshua Messiah or something in that line.
I did notice that the Apostles had no problem calling the incarnated Son: Iesous Cristos. So I guess is fine to use Jesus Christ.
Analyzing the way I pray I usually mention Dios (Spanish equivalent to God) and then add in Jesus Christ at the end.
Now that Dr. Breshears called our attention, I would like to know if you know of a resource that deals with the topic, and your personal opinion on the right way to call / mention God in prayer.
In a quick search I found:
"But after you are satisfied, give thanks thus: “We give thanks to you, O holy Father, for your holy name, which you caused to dwell in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality that you made known to us through Jesus your child. To you be glory forever. You, Lord Almighty, made all things for your name’s sake, and gave food and drink to humans for their enjoyment, that they might give thanks to you, but you have blessed us with spiritual food and drink and eternal light through your child."
McGowan, A. B. (2014). Ancient Christian Worship: Early Church Practices in Social, Historical, and Theological Perspective (p. 37). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
Is interesting that they used Father and Jesus in Eucharistic prayers.
Thanks for sharing your mind in this topic ahead of time.
