“Let them praise Your great and awesome Name—He is holy!” — Psalm 99:3 (BSB)
“When they see among them their children, the work of My hands, they will keep My name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.” — Isaiah 29:23 (BSB)
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name…’” — Matthew 6:9 (BSB)
I pray that God’s Name would not be taken lightly or treated as common, but praised with reverence and awe. This is a prayer of consecration—that my life, my church, and the whole world would reflect the holiness of God. I also pray that false images of God would be cast down, that His Word would be rightly proclaimed, and that His character would be magnified in all things.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “To hallow God’s Name is to place Him at the center of our hearts and lives, to glorify Him as holy, and to live so that others may see and do the same.”
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) explains, “We begin the Lord’s Prayer not by asking for things, but by honoring the One who gives all things. Hallowing God’s Name means holding Him in highest esteem—above all else.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer expresses this reverence through its dignified language, careful address to the Trinity, and numerous Collects that begin by naming and glorifying the character of God. The liturgy itself is a holy act of hallowing His Name.
J.C. Ryle wrote, “This petition teaches us to revere God. It is a rebuke to the careless worshipper and the irreverent speaker. Let His Name be lifted high in your heart before it is ever lifted on your lips.” (Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, 1865)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “When we pray ‘Hallowed be Your Name,’ we are saying, ‘Lord, make my life an altar of worship, and let all creation know Your glory.’”
To pray this petition glorifies Christ because it places the holiness of God above all earthly desires, and it calls us to reflect that holiness in our lives.
St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258 AD): “We pray that God’s Name be sanctified in us. For since He is the one who sanctifies, we ask that we may live in such a way that His holiness is seen.” — On the Lord’s Prayer, 12
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “When we say, ‘Hallowed be Your Name,’ we ask that all the world may glorify Him rightly—not only by word, but by deed.” — Homily on Matthew, 19
St. Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335–395 AD): “This petition awakens the soul to worship. It cleanses the heart of self and lifts the eyes to the throne of God, where holiness dwells.” — On the Lord’s Prayer, 3
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
