You probably noticed that in sketching out these experiences, I did not begin with the first petition, “Hallowed be thy name.” Having experienced the first four experiences, it is now time to focus on that first petition. To hallow God’s name, or to make it holy, is to recognize that God is set apart from all else. In the Ten Commandments, the commandments to not take the name of the Lord in vain or to make graven images, is to prohibit cheapening the name of God. To pray that God’s name may be kept holy may be one of the most difficult of all the petitions.
As you share with your colleagues, consider what action might, in some small way, reflect the holiness of God’s name. What is a way of recognizing the absolute difference of God from any other aspect of life and creation? My guess is that it is the ability to relate to that which is utterly different from us that is the final focus of the spiritual life. Our capacity to do that is preparation for our relating to God.
As we live our life, we are faced with much that is different from us. It has been a major challenge for humanity to relate to that which is different. It is our inability to do that which is the basis for prejudice, fear, and violence. Perhaps for your final act of living the Lord’s Prayer, you should consider one group or person that is very different from you and reach out to them as a small step to hallowing God’s name.
Sharing your choice with your colleagues may deepen all of your spiritual lives.
