Hallowed be Thy Name 

By Karen Pourbabaee

Mathew 6:9-13

“Hallowed be The Name” has flowed through the lips of God’s children possibly billions, maybe even trillions of times throughout the centuries since Jesus Himself taught us this model prayer. Perhaps this first petition to the Father has become a routine phrase, void of the rich spiritual meaning contained within its plea. Perhaps in a genuine spirit of adoration our hearts show honor to a holy God. But the phrase infers so much more than words of praise. Have you ever stopped to consider the implication of this prayerful request that God’s Name be hallowed?

“Hallowed be Thy Name” is also a call for sanctification and holiness. Sanctification is a daily, life-long process leading to holiness. We cannot make ourselves holy. It is a work of God alone, for He has called us to be holy. (I Thessalonians 4:3). When we pray these four simple words, we’re asking God to work within us and change us so that His Name will be hallowed IN us. So that His Name will become known and He will be glorified, drawing many to Him. 

“We ask that this Name of God should be hallowed in us through our actions…for God’s Name is blessed when we live well.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2814). Therefore, we hallow His Name as an act of worship and adoration. Furthermore, it is hallowed IN us when we submit to His work of sanctification and His emerging holiness, character, and very nature shines forth in a life well-lived. 

Today’s Freelance Christian Writer has been married and in the nursing field for over 30 years. She now lives in Oklahoma. Contact