The Naming Ceremony is a traditional event that takes place after the birth of a child. Some families are very traditional and abide by all customs relating to the date and time of the event. The pastor’s role is basically to introduce a biblical

and spiritual perspective to the occasion. This of course is only possible depending on what the family requests or allows.

1. OPENING PRAYER

2. WORSHIP : Come Let Us Adore Him

O come let us adore Him For He alone is worthy

O come let us adore Him For He alone is worthy

O come let us adore Him For He alone is worthy

Christ the Lord Christ the Lord

By John Francis Wade

3. REASON FOR OCCASION

We are gathered here today with our brother and sister, Mr.

and Mrs. …(Last name of parents)… for two reasons:

i. To rejoice over what God has done for them and

ii. To give a name to their newly born baby.

The Bible is the basis for whatever we do, therefore, our

scripture reading for today is:

Luke 1:57-64

Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. As was done in those days, we want to call on the father of the child to give us the name(s) he desires to give to the child and the meaning(s) of the name(s).

4. GIVING OF NAME BY FATHER [Father stands up and mentions the full name of the child and the meaning(s) of the name(s)].

5. PROCLAMATION, SANCTIFICATION AND AFFIRMATION OF NAME ON THE CHILD

i. Minister takes the baby and asks all to stand and join in prayer for the baby.

ii. Minister prays laying hands on the baby, and anoints the baby with oil.

6. PRAYER

MINISTER: Father, in the name of Jesus, thine only begotten

Son, we thank you for the name(s) that has been

given today. We sanctify this name(s) and we

declare that this child shall be called …[name(s)

of child]…. From today I pray that he shall live

up to the meaning(s) of this name(s).

The Minister makes reference to the name(s) and prays for the child to fulfil the purpose of the name. (e.g., “John means ‘Jehovah is gracious’, May Jehovah God be gracious unto this child always.”)

MINISTER: I anoint this baby with oil as a symbol of the

Holy Spirit, that he may live under the influence

and power of the Holy Spirit, all the days of his

life. Amen.

7. SONG: Showers of Blessing

Chorus

There shall be showers of blessing; Showers of blessing

This is the promise of God Showers of blessing we plead

There shall be seasons refreshing, Mercy drops round us are falling

Sent from the Saviour above But for the showers we plead

By Daniel W. Whittle

8. BLESSING OF THE CHILD 

MINISTER: Father, we thank you indeed for a good and

perfect gift, the gift of a life. Thank you for

blessing this family with this child. I cancel, I

nullify, I reverse, and I reject every curse and

every expectation of the enemy concerning the

life of …[name(s) of child]….

I bring down the walls of opposition, resistance,

and frustration that are lifted up against the life

of this child. I superimpose the will of God over

and against every plan, every projection and

prediction of the enemy for your life.

I speak the blessing of God over your life.

May the goodness and the favour of God be your

portion all the days of your life.

May you live to be a blessing to your parents.

May you live to be a blessing to your generation.

May you become what God has destined you to

be. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

9. CHARGE TO PARENTS

MINISTER: Do you promise to bring up this child in the

ways of the Lord that he may not depart from

them when he grows?

According to Deuteronomy 6:7, do you promise

to “teach him the Word of God when thou sittest

in thine house, and when thou walkest by the

way, and when thou liest down, and when thou

risest up?”

FATHER: I do.

MOTHER: I do.

BOTH PARENTS TOGETHER: We do.

MINISTER: Amen! Shall we clap for them? (Minister returns the baby to the parents.)

10. SONG: To God be the Glory

Chorus

To God be the glory, Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

Great things He hath done Let the earth hear His voice

So loved He the world that Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

He gave us His Son Let the People rejoice

Who yielded His life O come to the Father through Jesus the

an atonement for sin Son

And opened the life gate And give Him the glory great things

that all may go in He hath done

Lyrics by Fanny Crossby (1875)

11. PRESENTATION OF GIFTS

MINISTER: Now, as it was done when Jesus was born, wise

men came from the east with precious gifts.

We shall now receive the gifts and presents that

have been brought for the child.

12. CLOSING PRAYER

by Dag Heward-Mills