A Year-Long Exploration of the Sermon on the Mount: Week 31

Chapter 31 – God’s Name

 

Hallowed be your name… (Matthew 6:9)

 

In the bible, there is power in a name. Quite often, God will give someone a new name when they’ve addressed their doubts, or come to believe in themselves or God, and it often signifies a renewed purpose, covenant, or significant life event. Sarai and Abram become Sarah and Abraham. Jacob became Israel. Saul becomes Paul.

 

Even when we name our children, we aren’t doing so lightly. We consider honouring a family name. We ponder what nicknames, good or bad, might be derived from the name or the initials. We research meanings behind the names we are considering. For those who are transgender and are choosing a new name for themselves, sometimes time is taken for trying out those names.

 

Ultimately, we want our names to mean something, to give us strength and power, and to give us confidence. Our name will follow us throughout our lives, and we want to be proud of it and bring meaning to it.

 

When we pray “Hallowed be your name” during the Lord’s Prayer, we are praying to both “ask God to make [God’s] name holy and pledging ourselves to not misuse God’s name.” (p. 194) It is not unusual to hear God’s name being taken in vain and I have often pondered why it has become more commonplace. Doesn’t it happen more often today than it did in previous decades? Or do we just notice it more? I’m not sure. But I believe that each time that we pray the Lord’s Prayer and call for God’s name to continue to be holy, it’s as if we are resetting our expectations, asking for God’s forgiveness, and thanking God for allowing us to try again to not take God’s name in vain in the future.