What’s in a name?

My name is fairly unusual. I mean, how many “Carissas” do you know? I’ve met a handful over the years and only 5 that spell it how my parents chose to spell it. My dad wanted me to be called Katherine or Katie. My mom found Carissa in a baby name book. She won.

Unfortunately in my formative years some other names were attached to me. Ugly names like ignorant, stupid, ignoramous, klutz, Plain Jane, Too Much, Too Little, you get the idea.

These names became more of my identity and spoke more loudly than any other name I had.

Over the last couple of days I’ve been calling on another name. It’s one I’m quite familiar with but I don’t think I understood the full power of the name. I called on Jesus.

In particular I was lead in one of the most powerful, life-changing prayers of my life and we repeated MANY times the phrase “In Jesus Name.”

I cannot tell you how much power and strength and might I felt behind calling on that name, repeating that name, and relying on that name, crying through that name, and finally resting in that name.

While I was being led through this prayer, I had 3 other friends praying for me on their own. Independent of each other they called on the sweet name of Jesus on my behalf. My heart is still ringing from this movement.

I wanted to share just a few of those phrases with you in case you need that power, might, and strength for whatever you’re going through right now. I also wanted you to know that if you need me, I’m here for you. I deeply believe in the power of prayer and the power of God’s name. I will pray for you tonight and for many more nights to come. But for now lean in on these powerful prayers that were prayed over me.

In the name of Jesus, I call on all your power and might to break the chains of bondage.

In the name of Jesus, I call on all authority to regain any lost territory from these acts.

Jesus, breathe life into her right now.

Jesus seal her heart and forever close the gates against these acts.

Jesus break anything that needs to go and deliver her spirit.

Jesus, with these new voids fill her with everything of love, and joy, and newness.

Jesus, move her to breakthrough. Do a miracle.

In the name of Jesus break these chains.

Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.

If you can utter nothing else tonight, just say the name Jesus and watch and wait.