My grandmother lived to be more than 91 years old. In her long life, she went through many hardships: she immigrated to a new land; a number of her children died; her husband died and left her a widow for many years. But she also enjoyed many blessings. She lived in her own house in good health, right up to the night she put herself to bed and woke up in heaven.

Of all the things I remember about Grandma, here's what I remember best:  Almost every time I heard her pray aloud, at some point she would say, in her strong immigrant accent, "Great art thou, Lord, and greatly to be praised." I also remember that just two days before Grandma died, she told me: "Live to praise the Lord." Just five simple words--but all the sermons I've ever heard (or preached) can't really improve on those words from the lips of a woman who spent nine decades living to praise the Lord.

Jesus taught that the very first thing to ask for in prayer is the fame of God's name. "Hallowed be thy name means, Help us to really know you, to bless, worship, and praise you for all your works and for all that shines forth from them: your almighty power, wisdom, kindness, justice, mercy and truth. And it means, Help us to direct all our living--what we think, say, and do--so that your name will never be blasphemed because of us but always honored and praised" (Heidelberg Catechism).

PRAYER--Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. You are great, Lord, and greatly to be praised. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Amen.