As the Old Testament unfolds it is clear that God’s saving activity has its ultimate ground in his holy name: Therefore, say to the house of Israel, Thus says the LORD God: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came (Ezek 36.22). God is concerned that his name, and the holiness of his name, is taken seriously throughout creation.
Against such a backdrop Jesus encourages his disciples to pray Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name (Matt 6.9). God’s name is not going to become something it wasn’t before. It is a call to recognise who God is and the unique privilege of knowing his name. We have access to the one who created all things and sustains all things and has acted in Jesus to bring his people into the restoration of all things. The great day to come will see God’s name hallowed in a wonderful way as those who rejoice in Jesus coming and even those who continue to despise him will have no choice but to recognise that God has bestowed on him the name that is above every name. And on that day every knee will bow (Phil 2.9 -10).
We pray to a God who cannot be trifled with and whose name will be honoured as Jesus is recognised by all as the Lord of heaven and earth. All our prayers are properly framed by this great concern. Ultimately Moore College exists as an instrument to promote the honour and glory of God’s name. Please pray with us that in our learning and teaching, in our living together and even in such things as the construction of our new community, learning and resource centre, God’s holy name will be honoured and made known.
Mark Thompson
Dr Mark Thompson is the principal of Moore College and Head of the Department of Theology, Philosophy and Ethics.
To mark Moore College Sunday held on August 3, we decided to share some resources on prayer to be a helpful ministry resource for you in your spiritual life. How can Moore be praying for you? Let us know: here.
*This blog post was originally published as a letter from the principal included in the December 2013 – February 2014 Moore College Prayer Bulletin.
