The first petition of the Lord’s prayer is “Hallowed be thy name”. It is a request that the people of the world (all of us) recognize and respect God. Listen to people speak about the Father and you will realize the need. Notice how glibly they speak of Him. Notice the absence of fear or reverence, if they acknowledge Him at all! Not so with Jesus. Having seen the glory of God, His one desire was for others to see it too. “I have glorified thee on earth. . .I have manifested thy name.” (John 17:4,6) Is this our burning ambition? Do we desire that the whole world bow before God in adoration, reverence, worship and praise? “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” To hallow the Lord’s name brings blessing and prosperity. Jesus teaches us to pray ourselves, our families, our friends, and our world into a right relationship with God. We will?
