A prayer that God would be honoured
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus does not begin with our needs, worries, or plans. He turns our attention first to the Father. To hallow means to regard something as holy, set apart, and worthy of deepest honour. So this line asks that God’s name would be kept holy in the way people think, speak, and live.
In the Bible, God’s name is more than a label. It points to who he is, his character, authority, mercy, faithfulness, and goodness. Praying for his name to be hallowed is really praying, “Let people see you rightly and give you the honour you deserve.”
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Not making God holy
This prayer does not make God holy, as though his holiness depended on us. God is already completely holy. The prayer asks that his holiness would be recognised. Psalm 111 celebrates God’s holy and awe-inspiring name, whether or not people honour it (Psalm 111:9).
That matters because people can misuse God’s name, either with careless words or by claiming to represent him while acting unjustly. Through Ezekiel, God spoke of restoring the honour of his name among the nations after his people had dishonoured it (Ezekiel 36:23). Jesus invites us to long for that honour too.
He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
A prayer that changes us
There is a personal side to these words. If we ask for God’s name to be honoured, we are also asking him to shape our own conduct. Jesus says that his followers’ good works can lead others to glorify the Father (Matthew 5:16). Our actions cannot earn God’s love, but they can either point towards his goodness or confuse people about it.
This makes the opening of the Lord’s Prayer wonderfully honest. Before asking for daily bread, forgiveness, or guidance, we admit that God is at the centre. We want his ways to be valued above our own reputation, comfort, and control.
How to pray it today
You might pray this line slowly: “Father, help me to know you as holy today. Let my words and choices show something true about you. Let your goodness be seen in my family, workplace, neighbourhood, and church.” Simple words are enough.
It can also be a moment of worship. Name what you know of God from Scripture: he is faithful, merciful, just, and near to those who call on him. Then keep reading the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, noticing how every later request grows from this first desire, that the Father would be honoured.