Hallowed Be Thy Name ...


“Holy” is one of those peculiar words.  We all use it – but usually not in the best way.  We use it in exclamatory expressions.  “Holy Moly,” for example (I’m sure you just silently thought of several more examples with more colorful language!).  We also use in phrases like, “Holier than thou,” to describe people as thinking of themselves as better than us.

Another way we use the word, “Holy” is to describe something as so special and sacred that we almost need to tiptoe around it.  There’s some scriptural basis for this thought.  Moses was told to remove his shoes when approaching God’s presence in the burning bush, because it was holy ground.  The center of the tabernacle and temple was called the “Holy of Holies” and only the high priest was allowed to enter that space – and only once per year!

But in our Small Catechism, Luther teaches us another way to understand that word, “Holy.”  When we speak the phrase, “Hallowed by thy name,” in the Lord’s prayer, we acknowledge that God’s name is holy and we ask that God would help us to keep it holy.  But notice what Luther says to the question of when this holiness happens: “God’s name is hallowed whenever his Word is taught in truth and purity, and we as children of God live in harmony with it.”

In other words, God’s name is holy when we trust God’s Word.  Does that word call us to live and act with integrity?  Of course.  But it also calls us God’s children.  It also speaks to us a word of forgiveness and the promise of everlasting life.  God’s Word assures that that though the journey be challenging, God will provide us with everything we need.

When is something holy?  When we use it as it was intended.  Calling on God’s name in prayer, praise and thanksgiving; trusting in God’s Word or guidance and love; being assured that though we don’t know where this is all headed, we know who travels with us. 

Grace and peace, my friends.  May God strengthen you for the journey – and empower you to keep His name holy.

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