Prayer - Part 2

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name

OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN,

 

The word Father in Greek is Patēr [pat-ayrʹ], implying your father or your parent. It is simple and uncomplicated.

The word Abba is an Aramaic word used to indicate a sense of intimacy and respect and is used by Jesus [Mark 14:36] and Paul to address God. It refers to ‘Daddy’ or ‘Dad’. Some scholars believe it does not convey that depth but rather brings forth a connotation of reverence alongside intimacy.

Jesus is giving us a very clear picture of who God is. Not only is He his father, but He is also our father. Paul, when writing to the Romans and the various churches in Galatia, uses the same terminology as Jesus: “’Abba Father’ --- ‘…we are God’s children. Now if we are God’s children, then we are heirs--- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ’ (Romans 8:16), and ‘… you are a son, God has also made you an heir.’” (Galatians 4:6).

We should never forget who we are and who our Father is. Amos, a prophet dating back to about 760 BC, is told to confront Israel and deliver some stern warnings to them. At the end of one of the warnings, he tells the Israelites very clearly who God is:

 

“He who forms the mountains, creates the wind,

and reveals his thoughts to man,

he who turns dawn to darkness,

and treads the high places of the earth

– the LORD God Almighty is his name.”

Amos 4:13

 

The word Heaven in Greek is ŏuranŏs [oo-ran-osʹ], meaning the abode of God. Not that we limit God to a place called Heaven, for God is omnipresent and omnipotent. However, Jesus is referring to Heaven as our eventual home if we have accepted Him as our Lord and Saviour.

 

“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart

to utter anything before God. God is in Heaven and you are

on Earth, so let your words be few.”

Ecclesiastes 5:2

 

Note: We do not pray to angels or to ‘saints’ or to any image. We cannot command or request the angels to do something for us. The angels do what they need to do at the behest of the Father. We have the right to ask God to place angels around us for protection and that sort of thing, but we do not have the right to ask God to send angels to go and speak to my boss, telling him that he must give me a raise or anything of that nature.

 

HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME,

 

In the New Matthew Henry Commentary, this first sentence is expanded upon and reads as follows:

"Father, let thy name be glorified as a Father,

and a Father in heaven;

glorify thy goodness and thy highness, thy majesty and mercy.

Let thy name be sanctified, for it is a holy name;

no matter what becomes of our polluted names."

The New Matthew Henry Commentary

 

The word hallowed in Greek is hagiazõ [hag-ee-adʹ-zo], implying to make holy in your mind. The word name in Greek is ŏnŏma [onʹ-om-ah), implying that you acknowledge that this name carries authority. Out of comparison, the word name in Hebrew is shêm [shame], and it has the same implication but brings honour into the meaning, therefore a name that carries honour and authority.

With the above understanding, what does hallowed be your name mean to us, and how do we relate to that? It is something that has a root in our heart and carries through to our mind. In our hearts we have the absolute understanding that God is holy; it is not disputable. In our minds we acknowledge that although God is Abba Father [Daddy God], He is not our buddy or our friend we invite to a Sunday barbeque or braai. As we start this prayer, we need to have a proper perspective of who God is and what He is to us, and it is at this point that we do that. We praise Him --- adoring Him for who He is, and come to Him with thanksgiving --- having a grateful heart. Luke writes that when the seventy-two returned to Jesus after a very successful outreach, He was full of joy through the Holy Spirit and said: “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth …” (Luke 10:21). It is a good thing to praise and give thanks to God before getting into earnest discussion with Him.

 

“Knowing that His name is the name that carries

absolute authority over everything and all things.

When we position ourselves in our minds and

acknowledge our Father as such,

we can draw upon everything that He is,

and receive everything He has for us.”

 

If you are unsure as to how to bring about this praise and thanksgiving in your heart, here are some Psalms for you to have a look at.

Praise Psalms

Psalm 29 – Ascribe to the LORD

Psalm 47 – Clap your hands

Psalm 98 – Sing to the LORD a new song

Thanksgiving Psalms

Psalm 30 – I will exalt you, O LORD

Psalm 31 – In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge

Psalm 32 – Blessed is he

What is going to restrict you or hold you back from truly meaning what you say when you open with, Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name?

If you cannot identify with a father figure. Perhaps you have never had a father, or you have, but he has abused you.

If you see the Father as someone who is judgmental and is just wanting to point out your faults. Therefore, you fear Him, as someone who fears being called to the principal’s or head-masters office.

If you do not know whether the Holy Spirit is with and in you.

If a strong level of humility is missing in you.

All the above can be fixed. It requires you to seriously connect with God and the Holy Spirit. If you are unsure as to how to go about solving any of these issues, contact your pastor/minister for assistance.