What's in a name?

We got a worship CD in the mail at the church office yesterday.  It was from a large church in TX with a well-developed music ministry. 

My first thought was, "hey, free, new worship music--yeehaw!"  So while I was waiting for Leopard to load on our home computer last evening, I read through the lyrics from the album (this is roughly equivalent to reading the deodorant labels in the bathroom--done because of boredom.)

As I read, I noticed a trend that at first made me think, "no, can't be."  So I read again more closely back through the 15 songs.  Same conclusion.

The name of Jesus didn't appear in a single worship song on the album. 

Jesus is referred to--King, lamb, You, etc--but never identified by name.  The name of Jesus is not there.  So here's me trying to figure this out.  Can you really produce an album and DVD concert experience video with the myriad of creative folks, huge amounts of talent and great attention to detail it requires and not realize that an album meant to worship Jesus never uses His name?  Can it be an "accident"?

I don't know.  But it did create a lack of interest in hearing the songs.  As I scrolled through my mind I realized the songs that move me most are songs that boldly say the name of Jesus.  I don't think its a requirement for every worship song but to me, 0 out of 15 songs is a bad ratio.

This morning as I prayer walked through our community, I got to a place in the prayer walk where I just didn't know what to pray.  I felt like the need of our community was beyond my ability to pray for it.  And I found myself just saying the name of Jesus repeatedly over the burdens I felt.  "Jesus, you are healer, Jesus be lifted up, Jesus glorify your name..."  The more I said the name of Jesus, the more my faith was restored and I felt empowered.   I just kept saying His name--I was a Jesus' name prayer howitzer!

Sure, I might be guilty of being picky, fussing about this album's content.  I'm sure the church that sent the CD is doing great work for Jesus.  I'm not judging them by this.  But I am asking myself, "am I more than 0 for 15 with the name of Jesus in my life?"  Lord Jesus, put your name on my life.  Make it easy to find.