Martin Luther’s explanation of the First Petition of the Lord’s Prayer in his Small Catechism reads: “God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us. God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to God’s Word profanes the name of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father!” Jesus’ confrontation in the temple reveals our tendency to turn our relationship with God into a transaction. By his death and resurrection we enter into the real presence of our heavenly Father.
