Abram became Abraham. Jacob became Israel. Simon became Peter.
Name covenanting seems at first like an archaic, long-discarded practice that disappeared in the first century around the time Saul became Paul. The patriarchs and apostles exchanged names and so received new destinies. But that was them. And this is now.
However, name covenanting never went away.
Robert Louis Stevenson became Teriitera. Paul Gauguin became Toika. James Cook became Terreeoboo. Arthur Phillip became Woollarawarre.
These recent examples throw light on this ancient practice of friendship and kinship. They show us that, when God offers a new name, more than simply a new calling is attached. It’s an invitation to friendship with Him.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: The Welcome of Strangers
Chapter 2: Heart of My Own Heart
Chapter 3: A Wrestle with Angels
Chapter 4: Shuttering Heaven
Chapter 5: Naming His Names
Appendix 1: Summary
Appendix 2: Name Covenants in Scripture
Appendix 3: Remembering Names
Appendix 4: Naming for Unresolved Family Issues
Appendix 5: Oath Brothers
Appendix 6: Model Prayers
Appendix 7: Further Reading
Endnotes
