One of the first phrases in the Lord’s Prayer is “hallowed be your name,” and most of us have prayed it countless times. But what does it even mean? What are we asking God to do, and how does this prayer relate to how we live our lives as Kingdom people?
Watch/Listen
Displaying the Holy Name
Show Extended Summary Hide Extended Summary
One of the first phrases in the Lord’s Prayer is “hallowed be your name,” and most of us have prayed it countless times. But what does it even mean? What are we asking God to do, and how does this prayer relate to how we live our lives as Kingdom people?
“Hallowed be your name.”
For something to be hallowed, means to treat it as holy, distinct or unique. A “name” within Judaism reflected not just a title, but displayed a deeper meaning of character and reputation. God’s name was considered so revered and holy that keeping his name distinct was considered the primary job of Israel. Israel was called to show to the nations that God was different from all other gods; that He was the true creator God.
Unfortunately, Israel often failed at keeping God’s name holy and unique by worshiping other gods and participating in pagan practices. The name of the Lord was cheapened and profaned. But God did not give up and promised a time when he’d demonstrate his holy name through his people (see Ezekiel 36:22-27). This promise, like all promises, was fulfilled in Christ.
As believers in Christ, Jesus cleanses us from our sins. He reconnects us with our true source of life, freeing us from idols. The beauty of Jesus wins and transforms our hearts. Also, he sends his Spirit into our lives to empower us. We are blessed by this. But God doesn’t do this just for our sake. He does it primarily for his own sake. He wants the world to see his holiness, beauty, love and glory, and he desires to do this through his people.
This is what is behind the prayer “Hallowed be your name..” In asking God to keep his reputation holy, we’re asking him to keep his promise through us by giving us a new heart and teaching us to walk in his ways. When God reigns in us, the fruit of the Spirit becomes revealed. His unique character becomes our character, his love becomes our love, his grace our grace, his compassion our compassion, his generosity our generosity.
As the Church, we are called to be the “Body of Christ” bearing witness to Christ (2 Corinthians 3) and reflecting who God is to the world. We are to keep his name holy and to spread the Kingdom of God.
As we submit all that we are to God, everything that is not part of God’s character becomes transformed and changed in our lives. Healing begins to take place. There begins to be healing of emotions, spirit, bodies, and relationships. Things become reversed, restored and healed. When we yield to God, we begin to display his holy character, magnifying his name and showing the world the power of His name.
Hide Extended SummaryDownloads & Resources
Focus Scripture:
-
Luke 11: 1-4
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
He said to them, “When you pray, say:
“ 'Father, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.' “
One thought on “Displaying the Holy Name”
Leave a Reply
Mr. Boyd,
Love the understanding and the way you wrestle with God.
Has opened my understanding of Him and others around me. Thank you for you ministry. May God continue to pour through you.
Derek
Wish I lived in the area. Podcast will do.