How does Psalm 145:1 connect with the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9? Psalm 145:1—The Heartbeat of Exaltation “I will exalt You, my God and King; I will bless Your name forever and ever.” Matthew 6:9—The Model of Adoration “So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.’” How the Two Verses Interlock • Both begin with God and not with human need. • Each highlights God’s “name,” a Hebrew way of referring to His revealed character. • Exalting (Psalm 145) and hallowing (Matthew 6) are two sides of the same coin—lifting God’s reputation high. • The psalmist speaks personally (“my God”), while Jesus teaches a corporate “our Father,” showing individual and communal worship converging. What It Means to “Bless” and to “Hallow” • Bless (Hebrew, barak): to kneel, praise, salute. • Hallow (Greek, hagiazō): to set apart as holy, to reverence. • Together they call believers to acknowledge God’s absolute uniqueness (Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 57:15). God’s Kingship and Fatherhood • Psalm 145: “my God and King”—royal authority. • Matthew 6: “Our Father”—intimate relationship. • Scripture marries these truths (Psalm 103:13, 19). We approach the throne of a King who invites us as children. Ceaseless Praise, Daily Prayer • “Forever and ever” (Psalm 145:1) = unending devotion. • “This is how you should pray” (Matthew 6:9) = ongoing daily rhythm. • Psalm 34:1—“I will bless the LORD at all times”—echoes the continual lifestyle Jesus assumes. The Ripple Effect of Honoring His Name • Worship realigns our priorities (Colossians 3:1–2). • Public exaltation draws others to the Lord (Malachi 1:11). • Hallowed living reinforces hallowed praying—obedience keeps His name honored (Matthew 5:16). Putting It into Practice • Start prayer by naming specific attributes of God: holiness, steadfast love, sovereignty. • Recall moments when God’s kingship and fatherhood intersected in your life. • Let praise precede petitions; exaltation fuels faith for requests (Philippians 4:6). |
    |