O = In this very familiar passage, Jesus is specifically answering the request, “Lord, teach us to pray” for John the Baptist apparently also taught his disciples. This passage in Luke is the shorter version of the prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. What strikes me as I read this today is the first line…“Father, hallowed be your name.” This means is that we desire God’s name to be “hallowed” which is an old English way of saying “holy or sacred”. It is the language of worship, of reverence, but it involves my participation. How often have I just said these words without thinking about how my life either hallows or fails to hallow my Father’s name? My behavior, the way I live and love has a direct impact on whether God’s name will be hallowed by those around me. Secondly, do I pray out of a world-view oriented around the coming of God’s kingdom or merely a desire to see Him bless my kingdom?
A = Am I living into this prayer? Do my attitudes and actions lead people to hallow God’s name/character or am I a stumbling block to whatever God-awareness they might have? I know that I often fall short in this area. I need to allow the first and second clauses to impact the way that I think, pray, and live this week. Perhaps as I pray these simple lines it will remind me to refocus my life around God’s kingdom and representing the family well.
P = O Lord, may I live into your holiness so that others may better see the winsome beauty of your person and may I love others out of a deep desire that your kingdom might come in all its fullness—in my heart, in my family, in my neighborhood, town, etc. Lead me on the journey of discipleship today as a hallowed Father. Amen.
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