What Is the Big Deal About God's Name?
“ Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. ” Jesus has graciously invited us to see God as our Father, and to pray to Him with the confidence of sons. But what is a son to ask of His almighty, heavenly Father? We begin by praying that God’s name would be hallowed, or kept holy. Luther’s explanation in the Small Catechism says: “God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to God’s Word profanes the name of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father!” That’s interesting isn’t it? The petition taught by Jesus is about the name of God being kept h...