“Name it and claim it” is a common refrain in historically African American churches. It refers to any one the many blessings God has in store for us every day. It also refers to the type of attitude a faithful one must have in order to receive a blessing from the Lord. The Holy Scripture says that, “If any of your lacks wisdom, ask it of the Lord who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly. But, that person must ask in faith. For the person without faith is like the wave, tossed and driven by the wind, erratic in all things. Such a person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” – James 1:3
“Prosperity Gospel”
I have heard this refrain used poorly, especially by a few preachers that appear on television. They have a theology, often referred to as “prosperity gospel” that suggests that this refrain can be used for material gain – Claim a luxury car and God will give it to you. I have never been motivated by the refrain for material reasons. Furthermore, a humble Christian does not order God around. Rather, like Christ taught, we say, “Your will be done.” “Name it and claim it” should help me focus on the spiritual blessings of God such as wisdom, faith, hope and charity. My material needs will take care of themselves – And I don’t NEED a luxury car!
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
At my school we use this refrain and this scripture to encourage each other and to help one another focus on Christ. For example, when I am dreading a certain meeting or a possible negative encounter, I am tempted to say to myself, “This is going to be a horrible day!”. It is at this moment that I must remember to “Name it, then claim it!” If I name my blessing as “This is a day that the Lord has made” then I can claim it. In other words, God’s blessings are always before us. It is just that sometimes, we cannot see the blessing and thus, we fail to claim it.
Name it and claim it!
As you read this, name and claim a blessing. If nothing more, you have the blessing seeking a relationship with God. Sometimes, that alone is enough!
First of all a something which I’m willing to see as an imperfection. After all, I have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
The fourth sentence under the heading; Prosperity Gospel. Well it says, “…humble Christian does order God…” I am quite ready to believe that it was a typo which shoulda said (oh those “shoulda saids) “…humble Christian does not order God…”
I have prayed for understanding, usually about something specific, and found that the response comes not only with data but also with feelings and plenty of them. Emotional feelings, spiritual feelings, maybe more. It was a bit rough until I got used to it. The only thing unpleasant was the newness. Then the graces got pretty good once I got used to the intensity. Especially about understanding Fear of God.
Peter. Sorry for the typo! I fixed it! No more blogging on only one cup of coffee.