GOD, OUR FATHER

Matt 6:9"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."

God, our Heavenly Father,  who is the source of all life, is the only eternal, true God. He is infinite and beyond  human comprehension. The very first verse of the Bible, Genesis 1:1 speaks of God as the Creator of Heaven and earth. Not only is He  

the Creator, He is the Sustainer of all His creation.

While everything is and everyone is dependent on God for existence, He is self-existent. God, who is omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful), and omnipresent( being present everywhere at the same), does not depend on anything or anyone for His existence.

In addition, God is holy and just, merciful and gracious, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. We are daily recipients of God's mercy, His grace, His love, and His faithfulness.

The conclusion of our verse of focus is profoundly instructive. It states, "Hallowed be Thy name". The name of God is to be hallowed; to be revered and to be honored at all times.  God’s name is not to be commonly or loosely used in our conversations. Neither must God's name be used in profanity (cursing or swearing). Exodus 20:7 reminds us that the Lord will not let anyone  go unpunished, who misuses or takes His name in vain. While God loves and cares for each of us, and invites us to have communion with Him through prayer and Bible study, He is not on the same level with us.  He is God and therefore we must revere Him.

In all that we do, we must endeavour to honour and respect the God of the universe, who is forever worthy of our worship, adoration and praise.