by Kaye Johns

When Jesus gave His disciples the model prayer to use as a pattern in their own prayer lives, He began, "Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." [Matt. 6:9, KJV] When we hallow the name of God, we give Him honor, we reverence Him for Who He is. His name -- His many names -- each represent a different facet of His nature, His character, His attributes. Jesus is teaching that our prayer time should begin with a time of worship, praise and adoration of all that God is.

Sometimes in the busyness of our schedules, our prayer time is rushed. But I wonder

-- is it possible for us to hallow the Lord’s name in a hurry? It’s certainly possible for us to pray as we go -- after all, we’re taught to pray without ceasing. But is that how we hallow the Lord’s name, worshiping Him for Who He is, marveling at His character, amazed at His attributes, stunned by His glory?

What if you had a chance to go to heaven to meet with the Lord? As you approach His throne, He’s surrounded by 24 elders and four living creatures and more than a hundred million angels. [Rev. 4:4,6; 5:11] Would you give Him your full attention? Would you weigh carefully what you said? Would you worship Him in all His glory? So would I.

We mustn’t forget that we are addressing that same high and holy God every time we breathe a prayer. Is it possible to understand that, and not begin our day with a time of worship, praise and adoration? Can we know Who He is and not pause to hallow His name?