What Does It Mean to Use His Name?

Recently I was studying what it means to take God’s name in vain as the third commandment teaches. In fact, God says He “will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” So it is not a light thing in His eyes for us to say, “O my God!”  or even to use His name casually in humor.

 I  discovered a new thought though as I read what Commentator Adam Clarke suggested. He believed it is possible to use God’s name in vain in prayer if we say His Name without deep reverence.

We often end our prayers in Jesus’ Name, but I wonder how many of our prayers are truly the petitions Jesus would ask of the Father. If that is taking His name in vain, then I must be more careful what I pray. In private prayer, I have found it helpful to begin my prayer by telling the Father, “I am praying in Jesus’ name through the Spirit.”

Help me, Jesus, to be careful to honor Your name.
 
"With Jesus' help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name. " (Hebrews 13:15).

Day 7 (of 40 Days of Prayer)
Pray that God will help us to be able to care deeply for the honor of God. Pray that all temptations to desire personal gain more than God's glory will be revealed, confessed, and cleansed.