Elohim: Judge

In this study of God and our view of Him in Scripture for prayer, I figured the best place to start would be the beginning. The first mention of God in the Bible is found in Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

In the traditional Jewish view, Elohim is the Name of God as the Creator and Judge of the universe. It is also one of the most common names used of God throughout the Old Testament.

So our first glimpse of God in the Bible is as a creator. He creates everything in the universe, one day at a time, culminating in His creation of us. What do you think about when you think of God as our creator? What's the first thing that comes to mind?

For me, I begin to think about Scriptures like,

"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." -Colossians 1:16 (ESV)

Elohim created everything for Himself. This helps me to put things in perspective a little better concerning my pride... or my self entitlement. Everything was created for the glory of God, and for Himself. To reveal His glory to the very same creation that He created.

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;" -Psalms 139:13-14 (ESV)

What an amazing shout of praise for God's glory! Reading the Psalms can help us to pray like nothing else. Here is the perfect response to Elohim. When I think of prayer to my Creator, this Scripture reveals my heart. He created me, not like everything else in all of creation, but He formed the clay personally and breathed life into it. "Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature." -Genesis 2:7 (ESV)

We are crafted, not just spoken into existence. This shows Elohim's love for us. He desires to show us His wonderful creation and for us to give Him honor and praise, to shout from the rooftops His glory. The prayer for my Creator is a prayer of praise and glory for:

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." -Psalms 19:1 (ESV)