Matthew 6:9
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Matthew 6:9
Verse 9 begins the Lord’s Prayer with a model for addressing God: “Our Father which art in heaven.” This opening frames prayer within relationship and reverence. The address acknowledges God’s fatherly nature and His transcendent, holy character at the same time. “Hallowed be thy name” expresses worship and recognition of God’s holiness, setting the tone for what follows. In a Jewish context, the name represents God’s identity and presence. To sanctify or hallow God’s name is to treat Him as sacred, worthy of praise, and to align one’s life with the reality of who He is. The verse invites a posture of worship before petition, acknowledging God’s supremacy before asking for daily needs, forgiveness, and guidance.
Theologically, this opening clause anchors prayer in reverent worship rather than mere request. It underscores God’s holiness and sovereignty, inviting believers to align their desires with God’s character. The act of hallowing God’s name is not just verbal praise but a commitment to honor God in living. It also sets up the ethical dimension of the prayer—transforming the heart so that requests reflect God’s will and glory rather than self-interest.
Practical application: begin prayer with adoration and acknowledgment of God’s holiness. Cultivate a habit of naming who God is—our Creator, Redeemer, Provider—before petitions. In personal devotion, write a short line praising God’s character before asking for needs. In family prayers, guide children to begin with worship and then transition to requests, modeling a balanced approach. This practice helps ground requests in a larger narrative of God’s redemptive plan, shaping desires to align with His will rather than our own.
Cross-References: Psalm 8; Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:11; Luke 11:2