A HALLOWED FATHER
Matthew 6:9

The second line of The Lord’s Prayer is this:  Hallowed be Your name.  In this line, two words demand our full attention.  The first is the word name.  We know that throughout the Scriptures, the name of God represents all that God is.  Let me just remind you of a few of those names of God:

1. God’s name is EL SHADDAI.  He is the Lord Most High.
2. God’s name is ELOHIM.  He is the Creator of all things; nothing exists without Him.
3. God’s name is JEHOVAH SHALOM.  He is peace, the only peace that can truly satisfy the discord in a man’s heart.
4. God’s name is JEHOVAH JIREH.  He is the provider of all our needs.
5. God’s name is JEHOVAH RAPHA.  He is the one who heals our broken spirits, souls, and bodies.
6. God’s name is ADONAI.  He is the sovereign ruler over all.
7. God’s name is FATHER.  He is the one who has chosen you and me for His family.

So, yes there is something very special about that name.  It is not to be taken lightly.

The second word is hallowed.  This Greek word is only used here and in 1 Peter 3:15 to speak in reference to God.  There we read, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts….  Peter is saying, “Give God the place in your heart that He deserves.”  Jesus, in this portion of The Lord’s Prayer, is saying, “Let God’s name be treated differently from all other names.” 

So, how do we hallow God’s name?  First of all, I believe we do this when we believe He exists.  I remember those challenging words from the writer to the Hebrews:  And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).  Secondly, we hallow God’s name when we are constantly aware of His presence.  How we need to model those words from the pen of David, I have set the Lord continually before me (Psalm 16:8).  Finally, we hallow God’s name when we willingly live a life of obedience before Him. 

So what are we praying when we pray, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name?  We are recognizing that the name of God is very special and unique.  It is a name not to be misused in any way possible.  It is a name that is to be highly reverenced.  In fact, we should so reverence God’s name in our lives that others we witness to will see our love for Him.  Friends, our prayers must begin with a proper focus upon God. 

            Our Father, who art in heaven, hallow Your name through us.  Help us to give to You the unique place that Your nature and character deserve and demand.  Help us to grow in our understanding of who You are.  We thank You for what You are going to do because You have a father’s heart.  Amen.

 

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