“Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name.” – Matthew 6:9 (AMP)

Throughout the days of Jesus on earth, gratitude, thanksgiving and appreciation unto God is a principle He lived by and taught those following Him. In giving His disciples a pattern for prayer, His first statement is to recognize and acknowledge the Fatherhood and holiness of God.

God is holy and this is enough for us to praise Him for because He is not like other gods who are unholy and impure in nature. Hallowing the name of the Lord means holding His name with reverence and high regard. Honouring the name of the Lord is what you must do always.

An important part of every prayer endeavour is honouring God. You can’t just up and start bombarding God with requests without giving honour to God. This also means that as you approach God in prayers, apart from the words you speak, let your heart be that which honours the name of the Lord.

The name of the Lord is powerful and you mustn’t join those who joke with His name. He is not any other god but the God who made the heavens and the earth. You must trust in His name to give you answers to your prayers. Christ is given a name that is above and over every other name and at His name knees bow and wonderful things happen. A powerful name indeed.

One of the ways to hallow the name of the Lord is by living a life that focuses on pleasing Him and representing Him well wherever He has placed you to be. As you come to His presence, you do not come with mouths closed but with thanksgiving and appreciation. Let your prayers come with thanksgiving and recognition of Who God is and that which He has done. Prayer offered this way is pleasing unto God. Blessings.

Practical Application: When last have you genuinely taken time to hallow the name of God with thanksgiving and heartfelt praise? Commit 30 minutes today to praising God for all His wonders in your life.

Confession: The praises of God shall not depart from my mouth daily, I will sing of His goodness to me always and thank Him in every situation. My mouth is filled with praise and my heart with thanksgiving.

Related Scriptures: Psalms 103:1-5, Philippians 4:6-7

Bible Reading: Psalms 103