Pray This First: Prioritizing the Holiness of God's Name in Prayer

 

Introduction: Embracing a Sacred Heritage

Growing up in a Christian environment, I passionately sang hymns that proclaimed God's glory. Yet, reflecting on those moments, I wondered if the depth of those words truly resonated within me.

The Gift and Challenge of Christian Upbringing

Being raised in a Christian home and attending a faithful church provided me with an invaluable gift. However, it also posed challenges, such as the risk of routine recitation without fully grasping the profound truths behind phrases like "the glory of God."

Revelation of God's Glory

It wasn't until my early twenties that I began to grasp the significance of God's glory—its central role in creation, providence, and throughout Scripture. In Christ, I discovered the joy of dedicating each day to glorifying His name.

The Model Prayer: Learning from Jesus

In Luke 11:1, a disciple asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, inspired by observing His prayer life. Jesus responded with a model prayer marked by simplicity and directness (Luke 11:2). Similarly, in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6), Jesus exemplified prayer, beginning with the profound address: "Our Father in heaven."

The Unique First Petition: "Hallowed be Your Name"

The opening petition of Jesus's prayer, "Hallowed be Your name," may sound archaic, but it encapsulates a profound truth. It's a plea for God's name to be revered and honored among humanity, inviting us to participate actively in sanctifying His name through our thoughts, words, and deeds.

Understanding the Holiness of God

Holiness signifies God's uniqueness and separation from sin and creation. It's not merely about differentiation but about acknowledging God's intrinsic excellence and worthiness. Praying for God's name to be hallowed is synonymous with desiring His glory to be acknowledged and exalted universally.

Implementing the Prayer: Making His Name Holy

This prayer isn't passive; it calls us to action. John Piper highlights its distinctiveness in directing our hearts and minds to honor and cherish God above all else. It challenges us to align our thoughts and affections with God's holiness, facilitating the manifestation of His glory in our lives.

Sustaining Freshness in Prayer: Enriching Our Vocabulary

To prevent sacred prayers from becoming rote repetition, we can draw upon a rich tapestry of biblical and contemporary language to express God's glory and our heartfelt devotion. By expanding our vocabulary to include words like praise, honor, majesty, and reverence, we enrich our prayers with genuine passion and sincerity.

Conclusion: Embracing God's Purpose in Prayer

As we internalize Jesus's instruction to prioritize the hallowing of God's name, our prayers gain depth and authenticity. By praying for His name to be hallowed, we align ourselves with His divine purpose and find fulfillment in glorifying Him both personally and globally.