9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
What does that mean to hallow God’s name?
When we pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name,” what are we really saying? The Scriptures make it clear that God’s name is not just a word—it is a powerful reflection of His character and authority. Let the Bible speak to us as we explore what it means to have God’s name set apart as holy.
1. The Weight of Names in Scripture
The Bible teaches that names carry deep significance. In Genesis 32:28 God tells Jacob,
28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
This renaming signifies a transformation of identity—a reflection of divine encounter and purpose. Similarly, in John 1:42, Jesus renames Simon as Cephas (Peter), marking him for a special destiny.
In biblical times, names were more than personal identifiers—they conveyed the essence of one’s character and mission. So, what about God’s name?
2. God’s Name Is Sacred
The third commandment in the Decalogue states:
7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
God’s name reflects His holy character. Using it carelessly diminishes the reverence due to Him. To “hallow” God’s name means to set it apart—to use it with reverence and not in a common or disrespectful way.
32 Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the LORD which hallow you,
There is a promise in this verse. If we do not profane God’s holy name and instead hallow Him, He will hallow us.
3. A Call to Reflect His Holiness
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
This verse challenges us to live out the holiness we claim in prayer. If God’s name is to be honored, how can our lives better mirror His perfect character? If we claim His holy name yet do not live in holiness, we take His name in vain and profane it.
4. Celestial Praise
12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
In heaven, God’s name is eternally celebrated. In Psalm 135:13, we read:
13 Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.
On earth, we should learn to praise and revere God’s name, just as it is in heaven. When we begin our prayers, we align with the angels who ceaselessly worship Him.
5. The Lord’s Prayer: Our Template
In the opening of the Lord’s Prayer we read:
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Jesus placed the reverence of God’s name before any personal requests. This sets the tone for our prayers—God’s glory and rule should come first. Are we inviting God’s holy rule into every area of our lives?
Conclusion
When we pray, do we truly acknowledge who God is? Do we rush into prayer, speaking carelessly without considering the One we are addressing?
Jesus taught us to begin with reverence: “Hallowed be thy name.” This is not just a phrase—it is a posture of the heart. It reminds us that we are approaching the Almighty God, the Creator of heaven and earth, whose name is holy and exalted.
2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
To hallow God’s name means to approach Him with awe, humility, and sincerity. It means we do not treat Him as common or take His name lightly. Instead, we come before Him in worship, acknowledging His holiness before presenting our requests.
Let us not be careless in prayer. Before we speak, let us consider whom we are speaking to—the holy, sovereign, and eternal God. May our prayers always begin with awe, worship, and the humble recognition that He alone is worthy.
Ellen G. White
To hallow the name of the Lord requires that the words in which we speak of the Supreme Being be uttered with reverence. “Holy and reverend is His name.” Psalm 111:9. We are never in any manner to treat lightly the titles or appellations of the Deity. In prayer we enter the audience chamber of the Most High; and we should come before Him with holy awe. The angels veil their faces in His presence. The cherubim and the bright and holy seraphim approach His throne with solemn reverence. How much more should we, finite, sinful beings, come in a reverent manner before the Lord, our Maker! {EGW; MB 106.2; 1896}
But to hallow the name of the Lord means much more than this. We may, like the Jews in Christ’s day, manifest the greatest outward reverence for God, and yet profane His name continually. “The name of the Lord” is “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, … forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Exodus 34:5-7. Of the church of Christ it is written, “This is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our Righteousness.” Jeremiah 33:16. This name is put upon every follower of Christ. It is the heritage of the child of God. The family are called after the Father. The prophet Jeremiah, in the time of Israel’s sore distress and tribulation, prayed, “We are called by Thy name; leave us not.” Jeremiah 14:9. {EGW; MB 106.3; 1896}
This name is hallowed by the angels of heaven, by the inhabitants of unfallen worlds. When you pray, “Hallowed be Thy name,” you ask that it may be hallowed in this world, hallowed in you. God has acknowledged you before men and angels as His child; pray that you may do no dishonor to the “worthy name by which ye are called.” James 2:7. God sends you into the world as His representative. In every act of life you are to make manifest the name of God. This petition calls upon you to possess His character. You cannot hallow His name, you cannot represent Him to the world, unless in life and character you represent the very life and character of God. This you can do only through the acceptance of the grace and righteousness of Christ. {EGW; MB 107.1; 1896}