THE LORD’S PRAYER :: FOREVER

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH. TODAY’S COLUMN CONCLUDES THIS SERIES FOR 2020.

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. He’s not just giving them a prayer to recite, but a model prayer for everyone of us. Each month in 2020 we’ve been studying this beloved prayer phrase by phrase.

Today as we bring our series to a close we’ll recap what we’ve learned with snippets from each of the monthly columns. If you’ve missed any of the columns this year, I’ve included links that you can check out at your convenience. I hope this series has been a blessing to you like it has been for me.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

 

JANUARY: The Lord’s Prayer or the Our Father prayer begins where we must start… recognizing and honoring our heavenly Father. For some, seeing God as a father is painful  because our earthly father may have let us down in some way, maybe even harmed us. But Father God isn’t an untrustworthy man. Our God is a good Father who provides, nurtures, protects, comforts, heals, guides, encourages, trains and corrects us… all for our benefit.

I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. ~ 2 Corinthians 6:18 

FEBRUARY: The use of God’s name is so important it made God’s top ten list of commandments.God’s name isn’t to be used lightly or thrown about casually. God’s name is to be set apart from all others, respected and reverenced. As believers we carry the name of Christ and must honor and respect the holiness of God’s name by how we live.

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.~ Exodus 20:7

MARCH: Today, Jesus’ Kingdom is represented in this world by His body of believers. I believe when we pray Thy Kingdom Come we’re asking for more of God’s presence to come by way of the Holy Spirit through the body of believers. For God to show out more and more to the unbelieving world in a way that they will know Jesus is the only Way and Truth!

He is the One who loves us, who made us free from our sins with the blood of his death. He made us to be a kingdom of priests who serve God his Father. ~ Revelation 1:4-6

APRIL: Much like a child would go to their earthly parent seeking permission or direction, when we go to God and we ask for something we can also pray thy will to be done.” God is for us and wants to help us. However, like a loving parent, Father God is looking for a good attitude and a submissive, obedient heart.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. ~ 1 John 5:14-15

MAY: As believers we are not of this world, we are earthen vessels filled with heaven’s breath, citizens of an unseen heavenly kingdom, in two realms at once. We are tasked with living on earth and in heaven. Our physical bodies inhabit the earth while our spirits are seated with Christ in heavenly places. We must live each day reminded that we may be the only example of heaven that those who are around us may see today.

…each of you should possess your own vessel in sanctification and honor…~ 1 Thessalonians 4:4

JUNE: We can take the analogy of our daily bread and use it to address our need for God’s Word daily in our life. God used manna in the wilderness to teach the Israelites their need for God daily. Jesus tells us that we’re not to live by bread alone but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

“I am the true Bread of Life.Your ancestors ate manna in the desert and died. But standing here before you is the true Bread that comes out of heaven, and when you eat this Bread you will never die. I alone am this living Bread that has come to you from heaven. Eat this Bread and you will live forever. The living Bread I give you is my body, which I will offer as a sacrifice so that all may live.”~ John 6:48-51 

JULY: Though we’re taught here in The Lord’s Prayer to ask God to forgive our trespasses, we must never forget that because of the blood of Christ we have already been forgiven. All we have to do is repent and accept his forgiveness.

I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of His name. ~ John 2:12

AUGUSTUnless we are able to forgive others, we cannot accept the forgiveness given to us by God. The other side of that principle is:  Who are we to accept forgiveness from God and not grant it to others? By not forgiving others we are saying we better than God.

Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love.~ Ephesians 4:32

SEPTEMBER: Jesus will always be our way out, over, through, and around all temptations the enemy may throw at us. There’s nothing we face that isn’t filtered through God’s loving hands. No matter what comes God will never fail us. He will take what the enemy means for harm and turn it to good in our life.

And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13

OCTOBER: In The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus is teaching His disciples, and us, that prayer is our main defense against the evil one.  As we pray the Our Father we’re acknowledging that God is sovereign over all things including Satan and any of his wicked schemes and He will deliver us from all evil.

Let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. ~ Ephesians 6:10

NOVEMBER: Along our journey with the Lord, if we focus on the dirt beneath our feet we will be overly sensitive to every rock and bump in the road–distracting us from the purpose God has for us. But by praying the Lord’s Prayer our focus will be on heaven and God’s presence… looking to His kingdom, His Power and His glory.

…live the kind of life that pleases God, who calls you to share in his own Kingdom and glory. ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:12

Forever… it’s a difficult concept. Our human minds can’t understand the idea of time not marked by a clock ticking minutes away. Which is exactly what eternity will be forever with God. Timelessness filled with all the love and goodness of God wrapped up in The Lord’s Prayer.

Take a few minutes and let’s sing praises with Michael W. Smith for all of God’s Forever love and goodness!

THE LORD’S PRAYER :: KINGDOM, POWER and GLORY

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DIFFERENT FRIDAY OF THE MONTH.

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus is teaching His disciples how to pray, giving them not just a prayer to recite, but also a model prayer for us all. On the first Friday of each month in 2020 we will study this beloved prayer phrase by phrase and bring fresh application to our lives for today.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

This portion of the Lord’s Prayer, often referred to as the doxology, isn’t present in the early manuscripts of the New Testament. However, it was found in the ancient liturgies used during the time of the apostles. The doxology beautifully completes what we’ve been praying thus far and affirms foundational truths of the Christian faith.

Thine is the Kingdom

God’s Kingdom is present here on earth through the Holy Spirit in the body of His church. As we pray for God’s kingdom to come, we are manifesting that presence through the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through the lives of all believer walking the earth today.

Thine is the Power

God’s power is available to us as we connect to Him. As we humbly pray for God’s will to be done in our life and our world, God will show us His power and might in ways we can’t imagine.

Thine is the Glory

As we pray and honor God’s holy name we are giving him glory. By this act of connecting through the Spirit we become participants in His kingdom, exhibiting His power working in our daily lives and bringing glory to His name.

A Heavenly Focused Journey

Along our journey with the Lord, if we focus on the dirt beneath our feet we will be overly sensitive to every rock and bump in the road–distracting us from the purpose God has for us. But by praying the Lord’s Prayer our focus will be on heaven and God’s presence.

...live the kind of life that pleases God, who calls you to share in his own Kingdom and glory. ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:12

Let’s stay inspired, to represent God’s kingdom here on earth, filled with the Spirit of power, bringing glory to His name among the peoples of the earth.

Join me as we pray and worship with this great song by Worship Central.

THE LORD’S PRAYER :: DELIVER US FROM EVIL

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. He’s not just giving them a prayer to recite, but a model prayer for everyone of us. Join me on the first Friday of each month in 2020 as we study this beloved prayer phrase by phrase and bring fresh application to our lives today.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

In The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus is teaching His disciples that prayer is their (and our) main defense against the evil one.  As we pray the Our Father we’re acknowledging that God is sovereign over all things including Satan and any of his wicked schemes.

Take Satan Seriously

Below the surface of our daily life an invisible battle is being waged against good and evil. Some people think the devil is a joke. But as believers we must take Satan and his threats seriously. The Bible tells us clearly that Satan is roaming the earth like a roaring lion looking for those he can devour.

Stay Armored

Because our enemy is always looking to harm us, it’s vital that we not attempt to go through any day spiritually unprotected. In the section of Scripture below, the Apostle Paul teaches us exactly how to protect ourselves with God’s special battle armor.

” Let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.

Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor. Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit.

Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people.” ~ Ephesians 6:10-18 CEV

Study Scripture

We must study Scripture so we will be able to recognize Satan’s evil tactics when they arise. And most importantly, we must memorize Scripture verses so that no matter where we are we can protect ourselves when the enemy attacks.

Keep Godly Influences

And finally, we must keep our influences pure and godly. We must associate with people who love the Lord and will speak truth in our life. We must make sure that we are being taught by sound spiritual teachers that will impart godly wisdom and counsel.

As you start each day find a verse that you can carry with you to keep your heart, mind and soul strong in the Lord. I like to write verses on 3×5 cards to keep with me through the day. I pray you are blessed and encouraged with these words today.

Take a few minutes to soak up a gospel rendition of The Lord’s Prayer to help fight your battle against evil today!

THE LORD’S PRAYER :: DON’T LET US YIELD TO TEMPTATIONS

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. He’s not just giving them a prayer to recite, but a model prayer for everyone of us. Join me on the first Friday of each month in 2020 as we study this beloved prayer phrase by phrase and bring fresh application to our lives today.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

God is always faithful. With every temptation He provides a way out. It’s up to us to look for the way. Let’s look to Jesus…

He Is The Way of Escape

We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13 TPT

Jesus will always be our way out, over, through, and around all temptations the enemy may throw at us. There’s nothing we face that isn’t filtered through God’s loving hands. No matter what comes God will never fail us. He will take what the enemy means for harm and turn it to good in our life.

What temptation are you facing today?  

Look to Jesus.

See Your Victory!

Let’s praise God for the many victories He brings us with this wonderful worship song by Elevation Worship.

THE LORD’S PRAYER :: FORGIVE OUR TRESPASSES

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. He’s not just giving them a prayer to recite, but a model prayer for everyone of us. Join me on the first Friday of each month in 2020 as we study this beloved prayer phrase by phrase and bring fresh application to our lives today.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

Jesus teaches multiple times on the subject of forgiveness. It’s vital that we turn to God in repentance for forgiveness of the wrongs we’ve done against Him, ourselves and others. Our relationship with God depends on us asking for God’s forgiveness and accepting it from Him.

Though we’re taught here in The Lord’s Prayer to ask for God’s forgiveness, we must never forget that because of the blood of Christ we have already been forgiven. All we have to do is accept it!

Take a few minutes to contemplate how God has forgiven you with this heartfelt song from David Crowder.

THE LORD’S PRAYER :: GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. He’s not just giving them a prayer to recite, but a model prayer for everyone of us. Join me on the first Friday of each month in 2020 as we study this beloved prayer phrase by phrase and bring fresh application to our lives today.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

The Lord’s Prayer is Jesus teaching His disciples the priorities of prayer. Thus far Jesus has addressed the importance of us setting God apart as holy and treating Him with the highest honor. Jesus reminds us that we are called to pray for and work for the continual advancement of God’s kingdom on earth. And most of all, we should pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Our Daily Bread

In today’s portion of The Lord’s Prayer Jesus focuses on daily bread, which was a necessity of life for Him and the disciples. When we pray “Give us this day our daily bread” we are acknowledging God as the provider of all we have. We depend on God to provide for our every need not just our food.

Our Daily Life

We can take the analogy of daily bread and use it to address our need for God’s Word daily in our life. God used manna in the wilderness to teach the Israelites their need for God daily. Jesus tells us that we’re not to live by bread alone but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

“I am the true Bread of Life.Your ancestors ate manna in the desert and died. But standing here before you is the true Bread that comes out of heaven, and when you eat this Bread you will never die. I alone am this living Bread that has come to you from heaven. Eat this Bread and you will live forever. The living Bread I give you is my body, which I will offer as a sacrifice so that all may live.” ~ John 6:48-51 

When we depend solely on God for our physical sustenance, seek His face and Word daily we’re doing what He wants us to do. This will benefit for both today and for eternity. Time spent in prayer and the presence of God will sustain us more than the best meal of food made by any human hands.

As you listen/watch this beautiful classic song by Michael W. Smith contemplate on God being the provider of every thing you need. Even our very breath comes from Him.

THE LORD’S PRAYER :: AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DIFFERENT FRIDAY OF THE MONTH.

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray, giving them not just a prayer to recite, but also a model prayer for us all. On the first Friday of each month in 2020 we will study this beloved prayer phrase by phrase and bring fresh application to our lives for today.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

IN EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

As believers we are not of this world, we are citizens of an unseen heavenly kingdom. We’re in two realms at once. Our physical bodies inhabit the earth while our spirits are seated with Christ in heavenly places. Armed with the important truth that heaven dwells with in us, we must live each day reminded that we may be the only example of heaven that people around us see today.

Earthen Vessels Filled with Heaven’s Breath

Our bodies are made from the dust of this earth. Our spirits are from the breath of God. Our bodies are drawn to earth yet our spirits are drawn to heaven. When our spirits have been reborn by the saving power of Jesus Christ, we experience a battle between our flesh and our spirits.

For now we must make the best of this earthly battle. Walk in wisdom by seeking God’s word, faithfully praying for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. We want our earthly bodies to walk out heaven’s will with God’s power to strengthen us and His Spirit to guide us.

Earth Bound Yet Citizens of Heaven

As citizens of heaven we’re called by God to live high and holy lives here on earth. To proclaim the excellencies of God who called us out of our darkness into His marvelous light. We are no longer our own. We’ve been bought with a price. We are God’s people, citizens of an unseen heavenly kingdom but yet living as earthly servants of God and for His glory.

“On the earth as it is in heaven

Let it be here with us right now

 Where Your word is fulfilled

And your glory’s revealed

Let it be here with us right now.”  ~ As It Is In Heaven Lyrics

Enjoy this beautiful song by Corey Voss.

THE LORD’S PRAYER :: THY WILL BE DONE

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray, giving them not just a prayer to recite, but also a model prayer for us all. This series will be published the first Friday of each month in 2020. We will be studying this beloved prayer phrase by phrase and bringing fresh application to our lives today.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

The Lord’s Prayer is sometimes seen as a familiar prayer taught in childhood to recite before bedtime. As we’re learning in this series it is much more than that. For many of us it’s very important, even a critical prayer during times of uncertainty and struggles.

Come To God With A Child’s Heart

Much like a child would go to their earthly parent seeking permission or direction, we can go to God when we pray for His will. God is for us as well and wants to help us. However, like a loving parent, Father God is looking for a good attitude and a submissive, obedient heart.

Heart Softened with The Word

If we catch ourselves dealing with a bad attitude our hearts and minds may need some refreshing by the water of The Word. Spending time in Scripture, for me specifically the Gospels of Jesus Christ, helps transform my heart attitude in no time.  The more time I spend in God’s Word, the quicker my heart will align with God’s will.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. ~ 1 John 5:14-15

Confident Prayers

After spending time in Scripture, my heart is now softened, my mind has been transformed and I can now be confident that the prayers I pray will be more in alignment with God’s will.  My prayers have a better chance of being answered because I know better my Father’s heart and desires for me.

Take a few minutes to prayerfully seek God’s will as you enjoy this beautiful song by Hillary Scott.

THE LORD’S PRAYER :: THY KINGDOM COME

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray, giving them not just a prayer to recite, but also a model prayer for us all. On the first Friday of each month in 2020 we will study this beloved prayer phrase by phrase and bring fresh application to our lives for today.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

 

Old Testament Kingdom Expectations

Through Old Testament Scripture the prophets taught that God’s Kingdom will come. Because of this Jesus’ disciples and many of the early believers were expecting Jesus to come and rule as an earthly king like the Hebrew nation had for centuries.

Believers Represent The Kingdom

Today, Jesus’ Kingdom is represented in this world by His body of believers. I believe when we pray THY KINGDOM COME we’re asking for more of God’s presence to come by way of the Holy Spirit through the body of believers. For God to show out more and more to the unbelieving world in a way that they will know Jesus is the only Way and the only Truth!

“Grace and peace to you from the One who is and was and is coming, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ. Jesus is the faithful witness, the first among those raised from the dead. He is the ruler of the kings of the earth.

He is the One who loves us, who made us free from our sins with the blood of his death. He made us to be a kingdom of priests who serve God his Father. To Jesus Christ be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.” ~ Revelation 1:4-6

Jesus Is Sovereign Over All

Jesus is the sovereign King and His saving work — His death, burial and resurrection — established the beginning of His kingdom. But Jesus’ Kingdom won’t be fully completed until His second coming.

Until that time comes we are to worship The King of Kings in spirit and truth, while sharing His message of love and redemption to everyone we can. Let’s start today with this beautiful song by Hillsong Worship.

THE LORD’S PRAYER :: HALLOWED NAME

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray, giving them not just a prayer to recite, but also a model prayer for us all. This series will be published the first Friday of each month in 2020. We will be studying this beloved prayer phrase by phrase and bringing fresh application to our lives today.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

 

“HALLOWED BE THY NAME”

hallowed: consecrated to a sacred use; reverenced

holy: perfectly pure and immaculate

In the Webster’s 1828 Dictionary definitions above you can see the word “hallowed” in our phrase for this week speaks to the holiness of the Father’s name.  Jesus is teaching us that at the very beginning of our prayer we need to remember who we are addressing. We aren’t talking to just anyone.

Honoring God’s Name.

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. ~ Exodus 20:7

The use of God’s name is so important it made God’s top ten list: The Ten Commandments. God’s name isn’t to be used lightly or thrown about casually. God’s name is to be set apart from all others, respected and reverenced.

Walking Examples of God’s Name.

As Christians our lives are to be set apart from the rest of the world. Because we are Christians, people expect us to live differently, especially if they knew us before we became Christians. We now have Jesus’ name linked with ours. Life isn’t just about us anymore.

Be holy as God is holy. ~ 1 Peter 1:16

In the Scripture above Peter challenges us with a humanly impossible task: to be holy as God is holy. Our behaviors may not always match up. But by accepting Christ as our savior, through Jesus we can be holy because he is holy.

Called To Holy Living.

 As God’s obedient children, never again shape your lives by the desires that you followed when you didn’t know better. Instead, shape your lives to become like the Holy One who called you. ~ 1 Peter 1:14-15

We must honor and respect, the holiness of God’s name by the way we live. Somedays it’s hard especially if we’re trying to do it in our own strength. But because the Holy Spirit lives in us He can guide us and our desires,

As we live in reverential fear of the Lord, surrender our lives daily, read His Word regularly for direction, our lives become a walking testimony that blesses the Lord’s Hallowed Name and brings Him glory and honor.

Take a few minutes to worship God with Matt Redman’s beautiful video.