The name of God deserves your attention and respect.

P.R.A.Y. Spiritual Exercise

Philippians 4:4–9 NIV

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

P - Pause Before God Be still in His presence

R - Rejoice in the Lord and Reflect "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!" (v.4)

A - Ask God "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." (v.6)

Y - Yield and Trust "Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand." (v.7)

Throughout your day, when anxiety rises, return to this rhythm:

• (take one deep breath) Pause 

• (name one truth about God) Rejoice 

• (turn the worry into a request) Ask 

• (open your hands and receive peace) Yield 

Sermon Notes: Central Idea: The name of God deserves your attention and respect.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." These opening words set the tone for everything that follows. Before we ask for anything, before we confess anything, before we bring our needs before God—Jesus teaches us to begin by recognizing who God is.

I. GOD IS "OUR" FATHER

A. Prayer Begins with Community

Ephesians 4:6 NLT

... one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.

B. God as Father and Creator

C. The Revolutionary Nature of "Father"

II. GOD IS IN HEAVEN

"Our Father in heaven..."

This phrase holds two truths in tension:

- Intimacy: He's our Father—personal, caring, accessible

- Transcendence: He's in heaven—sovereign, holy, glorious

III. HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME

"Hallowed be your name."

B. God's Name Above Our Own - God's holiness comes first

C. The Mystery That Sparks Faith Matthew 6:9–13 NIV

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”