"What about our lives and words "hallows" the name of our father?"
I try to live my life daily as an example of what God ask from us in the bible. I do not use words, that take away from that, be it curse words, or even everyday words that would hurt someone's feelings, or cause them to question, my commitment to God.
" What desecrates and besmirches it?"
When we knowingly do things that go against what God expects of us.
"How should we "hallow" the Father when we begin to pray?"
When we enter into a moment of prayer, he should immediately have our undivided attention. I am one that always prays in my car, as well as on my knees in the quiet of my room. However, I always give God his respect no matter what time it may be. At home, even if it's just my blessing before a meal, no one should be talking, walking, or stuffing food in there mouth. In the car, I pray when I am alone ,with the music off, so there are no outside distractions.
I always begin every prayer by praising him, for what he has already done in my life.