CD - The First Petition - John 17:17

“Hallowed be Thy name” is the phrase we call the first petition. I should point out, if you have not learned elsewhere, that when Jesus taught the disciples His prayer, He did not divide it up into petitions. Men devised these divisions, in order that men might better study Jesus’ prayer, not that the Lord’s Prayer is complicated, but that we might better understand for our own guidance in prayer.

We call God many different names. Oftentimes, the names we call Him are not names at all, but are attributes or descriptions of God, such as Wonderful, Counselor, Comforter, Redeemer, etc. Yet each one of these terms is God’s name. His name is not something so holy that we cannot ever utter it or call Him by His name (as some believe and teach). However, His name is to be used with respect and reverence.

In praying this first petition, we are stating that God’s name is holy. We are not implying that it is not holy and we will make it holy, for we, being unholy, could never make it holy. We are, however, praying that His name is holy and implying that we need help in keeping it holy among us.

How can we keep God’s name holy? Simply by living a life that is pleasing to Him, which is not easily done. Take a look around you and see how often God’s name is misused, even among Christians. We so often hear God called a “dog” (god / dog). We hear prayers all over (i.e., “Ouch, Jesus Christ,” etc.). We might be led to believe that God’s last name is “dammit.” Of course, these examples are only from our oral (speaking) witness. What about our actions? Do our lives and actions tell others that we hallow and revere God’s name? Or are we quick tempered? Are we first to separate ourselves under the false pretense that, as Christians, we are better and do not want to fall back into our sinful ways by associating with heathens, pagans, and non-Christians. Are you hallowing God’s name? Are you keeping His already Holy name holy?

Listen to yourself speak for a day. How often do you “slip” and misuse God’s Holy name? Are you better about watching what you say only when you are around adults? Maybe you think it makes you an adult when you speak profanities. It is too bad that we have such a tendency to believe that in our world. Maybe, with the help of God, you can be a good example of keeping God’s name holy, even to adults?

Dear Father, as I pray, “Hallowed be Thy name,” give me the will and desire to keep Your name holy. Give me the courage, especially in the times when peer pressure is the greatest, to stand up for Your name. Help me by my actions even more than my words to witness to others the power You have instilled in me as Your chosen child. Father, may Your name indeed be holy. Amen.