An Invitation and a Promise Part 3

Hallowed be your name.

Jesus, Matthew 6:9

You can find part 1 here, part 2 here.

I have a horrible memory. It makes remembering people’s names difficult. Our names are part of who we are, many with deep and rich meanings, showing us who the namer believed the person could become. As a pastor, I feel like a fool when I can’t remember people’s names. It’s like I’ve erased a part of who they are. It’s embarrassing for me, but for them, it can make them feel unimportant and as if they have been forgotten.

You can find many lists of God’s names, some that list only the specific names of God given in the Bible, such as The Almighty God, Father, or LORD. Some lists provide the Hebrew names, and others translate them into English. Some lists include names based off of what God does or has done, not from specific names. I’ve seen lists as short as 30 and as large as 967 names.

The word ‘hallow’ originates from Old English and carries the meaning of making something sacred or setting it apart. While most modern translations of the Lord’s Prayer use the word ‘holy’ instead, ‘hallowed be your name’ emphasizes the unique reverence and awe associated with God’s name. In Hebrew tradition, God’s name, the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), was considered so holy that it was written without vowels and not spoken aloud. Despite this reverence, Jesus invited us to pray in the most intimate of ways, addressing God by His holiness and the personal ways in which He has revealed it to us.

Connecting with God on a personal level can be incredibly powerful. While addressing him simply as “God” is perfectly acceptable, using names that resonate with your experiences or aspirations can deepen your connection. Each name in scripture offers a unique glimpse, a promise of God’s nature. Struggling with illness? Find solace in calling out to the Healer. Battling darkness? Seek comfort in the Light of the World. Feeling lost? Reach out to the Good Shepherd. Struggling with anxiety? Look to the Prince of Peace. Whether you’re familiar with biblical names or simply seeking guidance, taking a moment to acknowledge God by His names can be a transformative experience. It’s a chance to offer praise, voice your needs, and open yourself to God’s presence. While prayers for specific needs are important, taking this time to focus solely on acknowledging God’s presence can be profoundly impactful.

When I lead prayer gatherings through the Lord’s Prayer, when we get to “Hallowed be your name,” I ask people to call out the names of God. That’s it; I don’t ask them to give an explanation, just to call out the names of God as they come to them. You can hear the desire to know God in people’s voices as they call out of their needs. You can hear the praise as they pray the names out of testimony. You can listen to the curiosity as they pray out of knowing but not yet having encountered God in specific ways. But, more than simply hearing what people are praying, taking the time to hallow the name of God puts all the attention on God. There will be time to pray for those specific needs that our hearts are crying out for, but for now, it’s all about our Father and giving Him the praise.

I will leave you with this challenge; take some time and sit with your Father in Heaven as His child. After having done so, simply address Him by every name for Him that you can think of. You can use the following verses for prompts to help you pray and hallow His name.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Exodus 15:26 He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

Psalm 54:4 Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.

Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Revelation 17:14 They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”