To hallow something is the same as to sanctify, or to consecrate. However, we are not capable in reality to hallow the name of God. We acknowledge that it is already, apart from our acknowledgment, hallowed. In the model prayer we are being urged to confess that praiseworthiness of God’s name not because He needs us to do so, but because in so doing, we are edified and put into the right perspective regarding the true arrangement of things under His Sovereign care.
We are privileged by invitation to pronounce it so. But we add nothing in that pronouncement to it’s magnificence or glory. The Name of God is independently hallowed.
When we praise the Name of God - we are in essence praising God Himself, whose infinitely manifold attributes are summarized by His Name. It matters not by which biblical name we call Him - each name is a window into His infinite greatness.
And every utterance or collection of utterances regarding the glories of God are never thorough - never a satisfactory summary of any part of God. In other words, our praise of God is always a severe understatement.
With regard to our character it could be said that every criticism is an understatement. Because our character, or lack thereof, requires the sacrifice of Christ for it’s redemption and sanctification. As a Christian we admit our depravity - deep enough to require the atoning sacrifice of God Himself.
But God on the other hand is to be forever praised - not because He needs it, but because in His essence He is infinitely hallowed and because His act of redeeming us is utterly mysterious and wonderful.
Therefore, what our Lord is inviting us to in this model prayer is the gift and privilege to praise God - who is our Father.
“Pastor,” one of my congregants stated, “I am not a happy, clappy Christian!” In this statement, my friend was declaring his preference in style of worship. He’s not into the hype of certain styles of worship. But is it really possible to “hype” God? I too prefer a more subdued, reflective - even pensive style of worship. But honestly, upon reflection, if we are to be honest in the presence of God - given His grandeur and glory - is inhibition even appropriate?
I think it was Shakespeare who said, “What’s in a name?”
Well, in the name of our Lord is all holiness and redemptive love. Can we agree to praise Him? Can we praise Him with everything at our disposal in a manner in which His rich attributes and affections toward us deserve? Can we praise Him in song - and with our lives? For every breath we waste is regrettable in light of His great redemptive passion for us.
