Today, as I was reading Romans, I was reminded of the Lord’s prayer, specifically of how it starts. 

“Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9 NIV)

Hallowed is not a word we use very often in life, and therefore, its meaning might be a little lost on us if we don’t stop to consider it – and maybe look it up. 

Name, on the other hand, is a word we use all the time, and therefore, its meaning might be too familiar. 

Here are some of the other words that the original Greek words, which I found here on biblehub.com, in this verse can mean: 

Hallowed. Purify. Venerate. Made holy. 

Name. Character. Reputation. Fame. 

As a fun exercise in meditating on that verse, try substituting some or all of those words into Matthew 6:9. Does it help you understand what Jesus is praying? 

Why would we need to pray that God’s name be made holy? Isn’t He already holy? 

I’m glad you, er, I mean, I asked that because that brings us to the link between the Lord’s prayer and what I was reading in Romans today. 

You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” (Romans 2:23-24 NIV)

It’s that last part about God’s name being blasphemed that made my mind jump to the Lord’s Prayer. 

What Paul is saying has happened because Jews who were proud about how well they knew that law, but who did not keep every single part of the law were the reason that God’s name (reputation, fame, character) was blasphemed (that’s the opposite of hallowed btw). 

While Paul was talking to Jews in that passage, I don’t think it would be wrong to extrapolate the ideas to us who claim to be followers of Jesus, aka Christians. Let me paraphrase it for you. 

“You who pride yourself on your Bible memory trophies and certificates for completion of Bible classes, you who have commentaries and study guides lining your bookshelves for all to see and admire, you who have attended church since you came home from the hospital, yeah, you who claim to love God with all your heart, and yet, you don’t live according to what the Bible says – you’re the reason that the unsaved speak poorly about God.” 

Did you feel that? I did. That’s some strong accusation there, isn’t it? 

This is why we need to pray “hallowed by your name.” Our actions, words, attitudes, etc. reflect on God’s character and reputation – His name. 

When we pray, “hallowed be your name,” it isn’t so much about what God can do for His name, but rather, it’s about what we can do to His name. It’s asking God to keep us from being the reason someone dishonours Him or thinks poorly of Him. 

Now, I know there is going to be someone who says, “But sinners are going to think poorly of God. That’s just how they are. There’s nothing I can do about that.” 

Quite bluntly: So what? It doesn’t matter whether that is true or not. If you believe that they’re predisposed to speak poorly of our God, why are you giving them more reason to do so? 

You and I, my dear Christian friend, were called to be set apart, to be salt and light to the world, to represent Christ to all around us, and to bring honour to God’s name. That’s no easy calling. It’s also one that we’re sure to fail at without the help of the Holy Spirit. 

So, today, and everyday, won’t you pray with me as Jesus taught his disciples?

Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name. Fill me with your Spirit so that all I do, all I think, and all I am bring only honour to You. 

Find other Morning Thoughts journal entries here.

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