Matthew 6:9-13  "Our Father in heaven! May your Name be kept holy." (CJB)   Prayer is worship and supplication. Jesus is teaching His disciples to pray in this way.. and the first 3 requests focus on God. "Hallowed be Thy name." is a request that the Name of God would be revered and loved and respected.  We are asking God to uphold the holiness of His own Name.  We are acknowledging the greatness of His Name and the fact that there are those who do not "hallow" His name. 

What would be the opposite of keeping His Name holy?  Disrespect.. blasphemy.. using His Name as a curse?  It would be using His name "in vain"- ( Deut. 5:7).  This is how the world uses His holy Name. They want to fling it out as a curse word or attach no meaning to it.  They do not know Him at all.  

Romans 1:21 states, "For even though they knew God they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened." God has made Himself known in His creation and in His word.. " His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen.. " Romans 1:20 tells us, but mankind foolishly "exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man.. " 

Does this not show us how important this request.. that the Name of God our Father be kept holy.. really is?  Yet, how many of us have prayed and asked this with sincere and earnest hearts?  The lack of reverence for the Name of God ultimately leads to darkened hearts... The commandment in Deuteronomy 5 goes on  to say "for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who take His name in vain."  This is a vitally significant request!

Father in heaven, as we come before You.. to talk to You about what is on our hearts.. we want to ask You to teach us to pray.  Father,  with all of our hearts we ask that Your Name would be revered and honored and kept holy.  May eyes be opened and hearts transformed as men and women and children see the glory of Who You are!  Let all creation sing out Your praise that Your divine nature would be revealed to those who are still walking in darkness.  Let the Light of Your Word ring out across our land and around the world, so that those who have veiled eyes would be healed and able to see You and know You and honor Your holy Name.  This is what we ask of You today, in the Name of the Beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.