This post is a continuation of the series, “Meditations on the Lord’s Prayer.” Click here to read the introductory post.
“God’s name is certainly holy by itself, but we pray in this petition that we too may keep it holy. God’s name is kept holy when his Word is taught in its truth and purity and we as children of God lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But whoever teaches and lives contrary to God’s Word dishonors God’s name among us. Keep us from doing this, dear Father in heaven!” (Luther’s Catechism, Northwestern Publishing House: Milwaukee, 2017, p. 248)
As Christians, we’ve been brought into God’s family purely by his amazing grace through the Holy Spirit’s gift of faith in Jesus.
What an undeserved privilege it is to be children of God! What an incredible comfort it is to know that we can address God as Abba, Father. (Not only that, but God also answers our prayers!)
Being part of God’s family means . . . everything. Think of the life-changing reversal that took place when God made us his own—once we were dead in our sins, now God made us alive in Christ. Once we were lost, now we are found by him. Once we were enemies of God, now we are his dearly loved children.
Being part of God’s family also comes with enormous responsibility. Jesus told his followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. There was a reason for that—so that others would see believers and what they do and then praise God in heaven. So that they would learn about who God is through his children.
That is what we are called to be in Christ: salt and light—witnesses and spokespeople for our God. We recognize the weight of that responsibility, but we don’t always rise to the occasions put before us.
I don’t know if there’s a more sickening feeling than hearing a person say something to the effect of “Wait—aren’t you a Christian?” and knowing that what was just said or done in no way reflected who you are in Christ Jesus. It certainly wasn’t being a good witness or spokesperson for God.
Our words and actions don’t only have an effect on our names and reputations—they also have an effect on how other people perceive the family of believers . . . and our heavenly Father. Is it a positive or negative view?
Admittedly, it’s often both. We’re sinful people. Sometimes we get it right, and other times we falter and fall short. And so we cry out the first petition of the Lord’s Prayer, “Hallowed be your name”!
God, help us keep your name holy! Not just in what we teach others about you and what you’ve done to save them from their sins, but also in everything we think, say, and do. Let our lives reflect you and your love for others.
God, forgive us when we don’t keep your name holy! Far too often we bring dishonor and shame to your name. May other people not have a negative view of you because of us. Comfort us with the forgiveness won at the cross by your Son our Savior, who kept your name perfectly holy . . . for us. Strengthen us in your Word that we may live as your children, as faithful witnesses in all aspects of our lives, so that others may know you too.
Hallowed be your name!
Martin Luther’s A Simple Way to Pray offers helpful advice on prayer, including using the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ Creed, or the Ten Commandments as a starting point. This booklet will assist you in focusing your prayers, while also providing guidance and encouragement to come before your heavenly Father often.
Alex Brown is the marketing and content copywriter at Northwestern Publishing House. He has his Master of Divinity degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and enjoys reading, writing, and spending time in God’s creation.
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