This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Recently while preaching through The Lord’s Prayer, I was doing a word study on the word “hallowed.”
I began by compiling a list of synonyms such as; holy – sacred – sanctified – revered – pure – unprofane – honored – blessed – consecrated – to show respect – to adore – to venerate – to deify – to value – to celebrate – to lift up on high – to praise – to worship – to adore – to exalt – to elevate – to esteem.
In the end there are simply no human adjectives to adequately capture and describe the absolutely pure Holiness of God.
The word hallowed in the original language is hagiazo/hag•ee•ad•zo/ of which the root word hagios /hag•ee•os/] literally means, “the Holy one”.
Further broken down hagios comes from the root hagos which translates “an awful thing.”
We find that originally the word awful meant…
aw•ful \ˈȯ-fəl\ adjective ,
1 : inspiring awe
2 : filled with awe: as
a obsolete : AFRAID, TERRIFIED
b : deeply respectful or reverential
Websters notes that, “Many grammarians take issue with the senses of awful and awfully that do not convey the etymological connection with awe.” A more recent development of the word when removed from it’s root meaning, is now more commonly understood as something that is extremely disagreeable or objectionable. Such as: “this food is awful,” or “he is an awful person,” or “that is an awful thing to say.”
Well, I want to take issue with the word awful being hijacked of it’s original meaning. That misuse didn’t even come about until late 18th century. Therefore, I would like to start an effort to reclaim the word awful as a positive word.
Here is how you can help.
Next time you hear, “Mom that dinner was awful,” respond, “thank you … I did my very best.”
Next time you hear, “You’re an awful father/Mother,” respond, “thanks you’re a very awful child also.”
Next time your hear, “Coach that was an awful game,” respond, “yes weren’t we outstanding?”
I will help also. Next time I hear, “Brother Scott that was an awful sermon this morning.” I will respond, “thank you glad you enjoyed it.”
Finally I think we should sing a new praise and worship song.
Our God is an awful God,
He reigns from heaven above
with wisdom, power, and love;
our God is an awful God.
Matthew 6:9–13 (NASB95)
“Pray, then, in this way:
‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed (awful) be Your name.
‘Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
‘Give us this day our daily bread.
‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
[For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]’
