Albert Haase summarizes chapter 4 by writing: “To hallow God’s name is to walk the way of humility as we adore God’s presence with the awareness of our sinfulness. Praying the name of Jesus has the power to open us to the experience of unceasing prayer.” The above quote he shared at the beginning of the chapter. But, I much prefer what he wrote several pages in: “In keeping God’s name holy, we experience the paradox between the awe-inspiring presence of God and our awful unworthiness, between the adoration of the divine presence and the abomination of our sinful presence.” Haase writes that this paradox will ultimately lead to the virtue of humility.
The latter quote I love because it first reminds me that we, His disciples, do not make God’s name holy. Rather, it is our pleasure to keep it holy, by being blown away by the awesome presence of a sinless God and his grace upon sinful man. Knowing that God would allow himself to be present and dwell among us, inside us, around us, is moving and powerful. We see his humility, grace, and mercy. This, hopefully, will lead to our own humility, as we recognize our own unworthiness before such a loving God. It is my duty and pleasure, therefore, to keep my God’s name holy.
Unrelated to this chapter, but related to the whole book, is that there is something in me that wants to slowly and meditatively want to recite the Lord’s prayer spontaneously. I have found myself several times throughout the week reciting the prayer and cherishing every word, thinking about its meaning. When I’m washing the dishes I say the prayer. When I’m doing laundry, I say the prayer. And the Lord’s prayer then leads me to pray for other people in my life. Needless to say, I’m enjoying this book.
Thanks for reading.
Joe
