Scripture affirms this truth:
“Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9)
This phrase is not symbolic language or poetic filler. Jesus was teaching His disciples how to approach God with reverence because how we honor God determines how we experience His presence and power.What Does “Hallowed” Mean?
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- Treat as holy
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- Set apart
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- Honor as sacred
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- Acknowledge supreme worth and authority
When Jesus says, “Hallowed be thy name,” He is instructing us to recognize God as holy, supreme, and incomparable, not common, casual, or familiar in a disrespectful way.
Scripture reminds us:
“Holy and awesome is His name.” (Psalm 111:9)
God’s Name Is Not Separate from His Nature
In Scripture, God’s name reveals who He is. You cannot separate God from His names because His name carries His character, authority, and power.
For example:
- Jehovah Jireh—The Lord who provides (Genesis 22:14)
- Jehovah Rapha—The Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26)
- Jehovah Shalom—The Lord our peace (Judges 6:24)
- Jehovah Nissi—The Lord our banner/victory (Exodus 17:15)
When you call on God’s name in prayer, He responds according to who He is. This is why Jesus emphasized honoring God’s name before making requests.
Why Reverence Comes Before Requests
In the Old Testament, the first commandments given to Moses centered on honoring God:
- “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3)
- “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.” (Exodus 20:7)
This reveals a Kingdom principle:
👉 Authority flows where reverence exists.
When God is treated as holy:
- His presence is welcomed
- His authority is recognized
- His power is released
Prayer that lacks reverence often lacks spiritual authority.
Why This Matters for Families and Children
Children who learn to hallow God’s name develop:
- Respect for spiritual authority
- Awe for God’s presence
- A healthy fear of the Lord (reverence, not terror)
A Kingdom Principle to Remember
When Jesus taught this prayer, He was restoring divine order:
- Relationship—Our Father
- Authority—Who art in heaven
- Reverence—Hallowed be thy name
Only after this foundation is laid do we move into Kingdom requests.
This is why the Lord’s Prayer is so effective—it aligns our hearts before we ask for outcomes.
A Reflection for Today
As you pray, ask yourself:
- Do I treat God as holy or casually?
- Do my words reflect reverence or familiarity without honor?
- Am I teaching my children who God is before asking Him for things?
When God is honored, heaven responds.
We will explore “Thy Kingdom Come” and what it means to invite God’s rule, authority, and influence into our homes, families, and daily lives.