Devotional

This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name' - Matthew 6:9

“Hallowed be thy name.”  This word, “Hallowed,” has its roots in Old English, but remains in the modern New International Version Bible.  Why?  Well, for one, we are all familiar with its use in the Lord’s Prayer.  For another, there is no other modern word that accurately reflects its meaning. According to Webster’s, the term hallowed means “to make holy (exalted or worthy of complete devotion); to venerate (to honor with a ritual act of devotion).”  So “hallowed” means to put above all things with complete devotion.  God is worthy of such devotion.

Recall our study earlier this year when we examined the 10 commandments.  In Exodus 20:7 God commanded his people “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”  Jesus reminds us in the Lord’s prayer that His name is to be exalted and revered.  When we pray, we form a personal communication between us and God. And the phrase “hallowed be thy name” helps put that communication in perspective.  It takes the focus off of us and places it on God. 

We recently did a book study about prayer in a small group here at Arcola.  The book was called “Too Busy Not to Pray,” by Bill Hybels.  In this book he lays out a simple pattern for prayer called ACTS:  Adoration (entering Holy space); Confession (naming our faults); Thanksgiving (expressing gratitude); and Supplication (petitions asking for help).  “Hallowed by thy name” aligns with the first stage – Adoration.  Adoration sets the tone for the entire prayer.  It comes at the beginning of prayer before any petitions (give us this day our daily bread) or confessions (forgive us our trespasses).  There is a reason for this.  It reminds us that we are in the presence of the Holy One.  When we talk to God, it is different than an everyday casual conversation with a friend.  God is the all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the universe.

During adoration, we can praise God for who he is, acknowledging his attributes such as being faithful, righteous, just, merciful, gracious, willing to provide, attentive and unchanging.  We could also read aloud a psalm of praise such as Luke 1:45-55 (the Magnificat).  Our heavenly Father is worthy of our worship.  We should respect his presence and recognize his magnificence.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day and every day.  As we pray, help us to praise and exult your hallowed name, and to set our heart and mind in communion with you.  During this time together, help us to feel your spirit, your presence, and your guidance for our lives.

Written by Mark Abel.  Mark has been an active member of Arcola Church for the last 10 years.  He lives in South Riding with his wife Julie and children Melissa and Justin.