The Lord's Prayer (2)

Quintus Heine

Matthew 6:9 "hallowed be your name."

Where it is human nature by default to first to think of oneself first, this prayer asks that we first seek God's glory and praise his holiness. Andrew Murray has said that there will never be any growth in our prayer if we do not sanctify God's name. It should always be about God. Rick Warren said, "It's not about you, it's really all about God." Our goal is to please God and honour him.

First, we must sanctify God's name. This means we must distinguish him from all other names and gods. It means we must value God above all things. To sanctify his name means we will honour his name, revere it, make it known and not abuse it. We should treat it with respect and be careful with it.

How do we do this? We sanctify God's name by a life of worship and praise. Our daily lives should constantly be characterised by: a value system to God's glory; actions that testify that we are disciples of Jesus; a vocabulary the Lord would not be ashamed of; business transactions that God will take pride in. Yes, we need to raise his name in our thoughts, actions, attitude and through our obedience to him. We sanctify his name by living in total surrender to him. To sanctify his name is part of your identity and personality. He must be the core of your life, not your own peace or worries. The words we pray are expensive words because we are praying for ourselves to be changed. Sanctification means more room for God and less space for yourself in your life. It is about the self slowly but surely being worked out so that there is more room for the Holy Spirit to take possession of your life.

Let us make the effort to make "hallowed be your name" our life’s prayer. More God and less me!

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.