Character of God

Adonai, often translated as “Lord” in English Bibles, is a powerful name of God that emphasizes His sovereignty and authority. This title portrays God as the ultimate ruler, the master of all creation, and the one to whom we owe our allegiance and obedience. Adonai speaks to God’s supreme power and control over all things, reminding us that He is not just a distant deity, but an active Lord who governs the universe and desires a personal relationship with His people.

The use of Adonai in Scripture often occurs in contexts where God’s lordship is being acknowledged or His guidance is being sought. It underscores the idea that as our Lord, God has the right to command our obedience and the wisdom to direct our paths. This name invites us to submit to His authority, trusting in His perfect will and guidance for our lives.

Songs

Adoration

Lord Adonai, we come before You in awe of Your majesty and sovereignty. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords, ruling over all creation with perfect wisdom and authority. We marvel at Your power that set the stars in place and Your gentleness that tends to the smallest sparrow (Matthew 10:29-31).

As we reflect on Your lordship, we are reminded of the psalmist’s words, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). Everything we see and experience is under Your dominion, Adonai. Your authority extends to the highest heavens and the deepest seas, to the mightiest nations and the most humble individuals.

We stand in reverence of Your perfect justice and mercy. As our Lord, You have the right to judge, yet You choose to extend grace. Your lordship is not tyrannical but benevolent, always working for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28). We adore You for Your righteousness that never falters and Your love that never fails.

Confession

Adonai, as we acknowledge Your lordship, we must also confess the times we have failed to submit to Your authority. Forgive us for the moments when we have tried to be lords of our own lives, making decisions without seeking Your guidance or disregarding Your commands.

We confess our tendency to doubt Your sovereignty when circumstances seem out of control. Help us to trust in Your perfect plan, even when we cannot see or understand it. Remind us of Your promise in Proverbs 3:5-6, that as we trust in You with all our hearts and acknowledge You in all our ways, You will make our paths straight.

Lord, we also confess our failure to represent Your lordship well to others. Too often, we have not reflected Your love, justice, and mercy in our interactions with those around us. Grant us the grace to be better ambassadors of Your kingdom, showing others the beauty of living under Your loving authority.

Thanksgiving

Adonai, we thank You for the privilege of being under Your lordship. We are grateful that You, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, invite us into a personal relationship with You. Thank You for being a Lord who is not distant or uncaring, but intimately involved in our lives.

We express our gratitude for Your guidance and protection. As our Lord, You lead us in paths of righteousness and shield us from harm. We thank You for the times when Your sovereign hand has redirected our steps, saving us from pitfalls we couldn’t see and leading us to blessings we didn’t expect (Psalm 23).

Lord, we are thankful for the freedom we find in submitting to Your authority. The world often equates lordship with oppression, but we have experienced the truth that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light (Matthew 11:30). Thank You for the peace and security we find in surrendering our lives to Your perfect will.

Supplication

Adonai, as we come before You in supplication, we ask first and foremost for a deeper understanding and acceptance of Your lordship in our lives. Help us to fully surrender every aspect of our being to Your authority, trusting in Your perfect wisdom and love.

We pray for the strength to obey Your commands, even when they conflict with our own desires or the world’s expectations. Grant us the courage to stand firm in our faith, acknowledging You as Lord in both word and deed. May our lives be a testament to Your sovereignty and goodness.

Lord, we ask for discernment to recognize Your guidance in our daily lives. Open our ears to hear Your voice and our eyes to see the path You have set before us. In moments of decision, remind us to seek Your will above all else, trusting that Your plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11).

Finally, Adonai, we pray for Your kingdom to come and Your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Use us as instruments of Your lordship in this world, spreading Your love, justice, and mercy to all we encounter.

Scripture Used

The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein – Psalm 24:1 (ESV)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose – Romans 8:28 (ESV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths – Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want – Psalm 23:1 (ESV)

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light – Matthew 11:30 (ESV)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope – Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven – Matthew 6:10 (ESV)

Additional Scripture

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all – Psalm 103:19 (ESV)

But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation – Jeremiah 10:10 (ESV)

For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us – Isaiah 33:22 (ESV)

Focus for Today

1. Surrender your will to God’s lordship in a specific area of your life where you’ve been resistant.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20 (NASB)

1. Practice acknowledging God’s sovereignty by thanking Him for His guidance in both good and challenging circumstances.

“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NASB)