Photo: Frank McKenna – Unsplash

The petition “Hallowed be your name”, early as it is in the Lord’s prayer, gets to the heart of the decision each person needs to make: Who will come first in my life – myself or God? As Jesus said, “whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:35). This post continues a series of poems considering the Lord’s prayer.

No-one taught me to seek my fame
To put self first, no need to tell
To honour and glorify my name
It is my choice; and yours as well. 
Hallowed be my name.

And so it really is quite strange
When “Hallowed be your name” I pray;
My heart must be re-arranged:
It truly is the opposite way. 
Hallowed be my name.

And yet I find when I pause to look 
And reflect upon this ancient plea
In heart and mind and Holy Book:
Many things that are good for me.
Hallowed be whose name?

First, He - not I - is God above,
The one beyond infinity:
He’s surely worthy of my love
For he made all things – and me.
Hallowed be your Name!

Next, a surprising thing I find 
As I praise his holy Name:
In his honour I'm satisfied - 
I too am blessed, it’s how I’m made.
Hallowed be your Name!

Not better off when I look within
But outwards to behold the Son:
Inside I will find dark and sin
Outside Love, Beauty, Three in One!
Hallowed be your Name!

And not just me: The created sphere -
Rivers ‘claps their hands’ and seas rejoice;
Saints of old cry out, ages and years 
Time and space proclaim with one voice:
Hallowed be your Name!