From Our Father to Amen: The Prayer That Shapes UsSýnishorn

Hallowed be Your Name

When we say, “Hallowed be Your Name” (Matthew 6:9 NKJV) in the Lord’s Prayer, we are acknowledging that God’s name is holy, set apart, and worthy of all honor. The word "hallowed" may sound old-fashioned, but it simply means to regard something as sacred and special. In this case, it means we recognize God’s greatness and unique nature.

God’s holiness is what makes Him different from us. He is completely pure and separate from sin, while we, by nature, fall short. Because of this, we could never approach Him on our own. But in His love, God made a way for us to be made holy—through Jesus Christ. As 2 Corinthians 5 tells us, “God made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV). Because of this, we can come into God’s presence and have a relationship with Him.

Honoring God’s name isn’t just about saying the words—it’s about how we live. In the Bible, a name represents a person’s character, reputation, and authority. When we say “Hallowed be Your Name,” we are not just repeating a phrase; we are committing to live in a way that honors who God is.

Sadly, in today’s world, people often misuse God’s name—through careless speech, jokes, or even as an expletive. But as believers, we are called to respect and glorify His name. This means being mindful of how we speak, what we listen to, and how we represent God in our daily lives. Matthew 5:16 encourages us to let our light shine so that others may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

One of the most meaningful ways to hallow God’s name is through worship and prayer. Instead of rushing into prayer with requests, Jesus teaches us to first acknowledge God’s holiness. This could be as simple as reflecting on His names in Scripture—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace—and thanking Him for what each of these means in our lives.

Ultimately, when we pray, “Hallowed be Your Name,” we are saying, “Lord, may Your character be honored in my life.” It’s a daily reminder to live in a way that reflects His holiness, bringing glory to our Father in everything we do.