Hallow or Holy - How Do We View God's Name

This post is a supplement to a ladies Sunday School lesson based on "Alone With God". This week's session allowed us to explore a portion of the Model Prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13. "Hallowed Be Thy Name".

We toss the word 'prayer' around rather loosely. It is something we know as Christians we should do. Believing in God, we know He hears and answers prayer. If we are not careful, it can become a check list - one of the 'good things' we have done. It can also become a wish list - what we want for God to do for us. But..."Prayer is first and foremost a recognition of God's majestic glory and our submission to it." Our first petition is not for our benefit, but His. "Hallowed be Thy Name" completely encompasses God's nature and our response to it.

Hallowing God's name begins in the heart. When we sanctify (set apart as holy) Christ in our hearts, we will also sanctify Him in our lives. Some practical ways to do this are:

Acknowledge God Exists:

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is..." Hebrews 11:6.

Know the Truth About God:

Many people claim they believe in God, but they don't hallow His name, mainly because they don't have true knowledge of who He is.

Be Aware of His Presence:

If we are to be faithful believers, we must live every day in a continual state of God consciousness. Christians tend to be very spiritually minded on Sunday - but do we reflect on who God is through the week? This doesn't mean walking around in a spiritual bubble, but simply keeping an attitude and awareness of God's nearness, His blessings and His help.

Live in Obedience:

Our Father's name is most hallowed when we behave in conformity to His will. When we disobey God we diminish our capacity to revere His name and be a vehicle for manifesting His holiness.

Be Committed:

We honor His name when we attract others to Him by our commitment. When we have right thoughts about God and live righteously, we will hallow His name.

As we spend time in prayer, let's picture ourselves entering the very throne room of God, a holy place, where He is to be honored. Don't be afraid when you enter that time of solitude with God - just be sure to approach that time with the respect due His most holy name.

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