There are moments in our lives when all we can do is cry out the name of God, hoping He hears the undertones of our pain. I've been in that place recently—facing situations where the only breath I have between tears is enough to whisper, “Jesus.” And somehow, that’s enough.
We cling to His name because we know it holds more power than anything else our lips could form. It becomes our lifeline, our anchor, when words fail and our hearts are heavy.
Did you know that God never actually gave Himself a name? The only time He did was when He said, “I Am who I Am.” Every other name we know Him by has been spoken by us—born out of our encounters with His character, His goodness, His power. We see who He is, and we speak into it. Each name is a response to a revelation.
A few weeks ago, I was in the prayer room during Arts Watch—a time dedicated to worship and intercession through the arts. It’s become one of my favorite ways to connect with God. There’s no pressure, no performance. Just freedom. I let Him flow through my creativity without restraint. I’m not concerned with who sees the artwork or reads the poems—it’s all Him, every bit of it.
In the midst of crying out, I felt God nudge me—gently, yet clearly—to write out His names. Not for me, but to break chains for others. To declare who He is in the lives of those hurting, searching, and holding on by a thread. He assured me that I already knew the truth of WHO He was and WHAT He would do so I didn't need to stress about it anymore. Below is the poem that came from that moment.
Cry His Name
By Kelsay Parrott
On a cool, quiet eve, where all should be well,
My heart stirs; my mind is trapped in a cell.
All I can do is call upon the name that breaks all chains,
The One who holds the reins.
Each syllable a whisper off the lips, a sacred sound,
Barely able to lift off the ground.
El Shaddai, the Almighty, strong and near,
Whose love and power banish fear!
Jehovah Jireh, my provider so true,
In times of trouble, You bring me through.
Adonai, my Lord, with a heart so pure.
Your wisdom, endless; Your mercy, sure.
Elohim, Creator in whom all things begin.
From Your hands, life flows with grace from within.
El Elyon, the Most High, reigning above,
With boundless power and endless love.
Jehovah Shalom, my Peace and Rest —
In You, my soul has found its deepest quest.
El Roi, my God who sees, ever so near.
In every moment, You see every tear.
Abba, my Father, closer than breath and air,
Your embrace is where I find solace and care.
El Olam, the Everlasting One,
Whose time stretches beyond the setting sun.
Jehovah Rapha, my Healer and friend,
Your touch restores, and Your wounds mend.
Elyon, the Most High, above all things,
You lift me up on Your eternal wings.
El Berith, my God of covenant true —
In each promise, You renew and pursue.
Yahweh, I AM, my strength and shield,
Your power in me is where Your love is revealed.
Immanuel, God with me, ever near,
In every moment, You stay right here.
Jehovah Tsidkenu, my righteousness so bright,
Clothing me in Your holiness and light.
On this cool, quiet eve, all is well.
My heart rests in Your promises; my mind is free and lives to tell.
I called upon the names that break every chain,
And each fell like rain.
Each syllable a whisper, barely able to utter the sacred sound,
But now my heart sings of Your names all around.
What do you think? Where do you feel God speaking to you right now? Which name of God do you need to hold on to most?
