Hallowed be Thy Name

The Lord’s prayer begins by saying “Our Father in heaven, hallowed by thy name.” From the very beginning, we are identified as children of God, children of a father who will never fail us nor abandon us; a father who loves us more immensely than any father on earth ever could. But more than just a father, God is one whose name should be revered, sanctified, and honored. His name is more powerful, more holy and more sacred than any name we could ever give on earth: He is Elohim, referring to his power and might; Yahweh, the Lord, the I AM. He is Abba, and intimate Father; El Elyon, the Most High, the exalted one; El Roi, the God who sees. The list can go on and on with every example of God’s name mentioned between Genesis and Revelation.  The common theme in each of these names, though, is that God is set apart. He is holy, powerful, exalted. He sees us. This is the God we are praying to, the God we are worshipping, the God we are following.
 
This is why the Lord’s prayer begins with the phrase “hallowed by thy name.” God’s name is holy in and of itself. It is far more powerful, far higher than we could ever reach on our own, yet he invites us into that power and majesty. We, as God’s children, are given full access to God’s character. We are his beloveds. He blesses and encourages us as we walk in obedience. This God, who is declared throughout the Bible as Lord, powerful, exalted, all-seeing, He steps down from his throne of heaven to meet us where we are, to find us when we’re lost, to wrap us up in his comforting embrace and guide us when we get lost. His name deserves every praise we can give him because HE deserves infinitely more than we could ever offer up in sacrifice. He is author and creator, redeemer, savior, and yet he is intimate and tender-hearted towards his children in a way we could never fathom.

“There is none holy like the LORD; for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.” - 1 Samuel 2:2
 
Next time you pray, remember the name of God. Offer up praise and glorify him when you enter into his presence. Remember that there is none as holy as God, there is no one like him. He stepped down from the throne of heaven to choose you, to find you. He is worthy of all our praise and worship.
 
Author | Emma Whitmer