“Hallowed be your name . . .”

GOD’S HOLINESS

To hallow means to make holy. To hallow God’s name means to honor it as holy and sacred. When we pray, we enter the presence of God with reverence, worship, and thanksgiving. We thank God not only for what He’s done, but also for who He is. God’s greatness and glory alone are worthy of praise and thankfulness. Thanksgiving recognizes that everything we have belongs to God, whether it be our talents, possessions, jobs, or children.

“Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain,
for the Lord our God is holy.”         (Psalm 99:9)

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”     (Exodus 20:7)

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
(1 Corinthians 10:31)

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
(Psalm 24:1)

Traditionally, God’s people, the Jews, never said or wrote the name of God, To do so was considered not keeping the name of God holy. God’s name represents His character, His plan, and His will. We often think of cursing as a common misuse of God’s name, but what about attitudes of the heart? Lack of respect or indifference by one who professes love for God may be just as much a sin. Revelation 3:15-16 shows God’s attitude toward indifference: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

Jesus encouraged His followers to use God’s name in honorable ways and for purposes that deepen and endear our bonds to Him. Part of showing reverence for the holy name of God is thanking Him for who He is AND for what He has done. Many Psalms praise and worship God’s holy name (see Psalms 100 and 148). Our greatest reverence, though, is shown by the stories our lives reveal. Our Father’s name is most hallowed when we live in ways that attract others to Him. (See 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Matthew 5:16).