A Christmas Prayer for All Seasons

This devotional and prayer were written as a response to the names of Jesus as listed in Isaiah 9:6 – Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. I hope you take time to sit and ponder each of these names and some of the thoughts contained within.

Isaiah 9:6

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”

This prophesy offers us four names for Jesus. These names are not just for the Christmas season, but for all year round. Rather than just praying to “Jesus” or “God” or “Father,” we can use these names to frame our prayers, intercessions and requests. We can thank him for the characteristics of this name and then ask for him to work in keeping with those characteristics.

Wonderful Counselor

Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor. It is He who does wonders and marvels. He gives advice and counsel. He is one you would want to consult in depth with. He is able understand a situation and He will give good, even perfect, advice. We can look to him, and He will provide good advice and counsel that will be beyond our thinking or doing.

Mighty God

Jesus is the Mighty God. He is mighty like a soldier or warrior would be. He has strength and firmness, standing and facing the difficulty. He is and has been successful in this might. Nothing is too hard for him. He is God, the divine. We can look to Him as a stalwart, strong God that can see the situation from all around and can act firmly and powerfully.

Everlasting Father

Jesus is the Everlasting Father. He is both ancient and for ever, of continuous existence. He was there in the past, He will be there in the future. He is for ever and evermore. He is the father, the head, the beginner and nourisher. We can look to him and he is not just our for-ever ancestor, but he is also the one who can lovingly carry us in his arms. He will be with us to our end and beyond.

Prince of Peace

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is in charge in his field, like a captain or keeper of the guard would be. He brings peace and tranquility to situations. He cares about welfare and quietness. We can look to him as the one in charge of peace, the one who comes and brings peace, who manages it well.

Prayer

May Jesus be your Wonderful Counselor, giving good advice and counsel, helping you know which way to go, how to act or not act, and doing this as only he can.
May Jesus be your Mighty God, the one who can intervene in a situation in a firm, divine way.
May Jesus be your Everlasting Father, the one who knows the beginning and the end and who takes you up in his arms, lovingly caring and providing for you.
May Jesus be the Prince of Peace, covering over the whole situation with peace and quietness.
May Jesus be called this in your life today.

(Devotional and prayer were submitted by Beth Southwick, one of my first teachers and editors, (i.e., my mother). Some edits for emphasis or clarity were made by myself)