What Does “Hallowed Be Your Name” Mean?
What does “hallowed be your name” mean? The Bible teaches that this phrase is a prayer of worship, asking that God’s name be honored, revered, and set apart as holy in our hearts and in the world (Matthew 6:9).
This article is part of our Prayer Series: What the Bible Really Says About Prayer, where we are learning to grow in both understanding and practice.
This question builds directly on What Does “Our Father in Heaven” Mean?, moving us from relationship into reverence as we pray.
After calling God “Father,” Jesus immediately lifts our focus upward: “Hallowed be your name.”
But what does “hallowed” actually mean?
The Saying
“Hallowed just means something religious or traditional.”
The Problem
Many people repeat this phrase without understanding it.
Because the word “hallowed” is not commonly used today, it can feel distant or unclear.
But Jesus chose this word intentionally—it expresses something essential about how we approach God.
What the Bible Actually Says
Matthew 6:9 (ESV)
“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’”
Psalm 29:2 (ESV)
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.”
Isaiah 6:3 (ESV)
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
To “hallow” means to set apart as holy—to honor, revere, and treat as sacred.
The Truth About “Hallowed Be Your Name”
This phrase is not just a statement—it is a request.
When we pray “hallowed be your name,” we are asking:
- That God would be honored in our hearts
- That His name would be respected in our lives
- That His glory would be seen in the world
It shifts our focus away from ourselves and places God at the center.
Before we ask for anything, Jesus teaches us to recognize who God is.
He is holy—set apart, perfect, and worthy of all honor.
This shapes how we pray:
We do not come casually or carelessly—we come with reverence and awe.
At the same time, this reverence does not push us away—it draws us deeper into worship.
Prayer begins not with requests, but with worship.
Living It Out
- Begin your prayers by focusing on who God is
- Honor God in your words and your attitude
- Ask God to shape your heart to reflect His holiness
- Let worship become a natural part of your prayer life
When God’s name is lifted up in your heart, everything else in your life begins to find its proper place.
Prayer becomes less about what you need—and more about who God is.
A Short Prayer
Father, Your name is holy and worthy of all honor. Help me to approach You with reverence and awe. Shape my heart so that I honor You not only in my words, but in my life. Teach me to worship You as I pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Continue Learning
This article is part of the Daily Diamonds series: Does God Hear Me? What the Bible Really Says About Prayer. Each article builds on the last to help you grow in a clear, biblical understanding of prayer.