What are we asking for in the Lord’s Prayer when we pray, “Hallowed be your name”?

Praying that God’s name be kept holy feels like asking that water be wet. The key is to understand that we are asking that God’s name be kept holy by us.

God’s name is everything he reveals about who he is and what he does. For example, what do you think of when you hear the name Tom Cruise? More than just his face, you think of everything you know about him, including his movies, his marriages, his quirks. That brings us to an important point. A good name can be tarnished. God’s name is perfectly holy in itself. It’s like the fact that pure gold is 24 carats. You can’t make it purer, but you can dilute it to make 18-carat or 14-carat gold. In this petition, we pray that we don’t dilute God’s name but keep it holy.

When we teach it purely

We pray that churches, pastors, and teachers hold to all of God’s truth and not just some of it. But we also pray that each one of us proclaims who God is with our words and actions. Those who are often interviewed will tell you that you can’t believe everything you read because the reporter picks and chooses what to share. Misquoting people can completely change how they are viewed. God doesn’t want to be misquoted either!

It has been said, “Children seldom misquote you. They more often repeat word for word what you shouldn’t have said.” That’s not God’s problem with his children. We sometimes get it wrong without even realizing it. In my life, it’s easy to change “Love your enemies” to “Love your allies.” It’s easy to change “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” to “Trust in the Lord with just a part.” It’s tempting to change “Godliness with contentment is great gain” into “Great gain will lead to godly contentment.”

Holding to the truth is also recognizing the truth that Jesus covers us with his holiness in our baptism and places his holy name on us. Our salvation is not dependent on how well we have personally taught God’s name but solely on Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

When we live it rightly

As a forgiven child of God, I also want to live his name rightly. Imagine that you are a kid again. A nice family moves next door. Your parents want them to feel welcome, and so they invite the new neighbors to a ball game. While at the game, you start throwing pieces of your hot pretzel at the back of people’s heads. When your parents tell you to stop, you snap back at them, “I can do what I want!”

First, you should be embarrassed. But your parents would also be embarrassed. Why? Because your behavior is a reflection of them and how they raised  you. Now imagine that your parents proceed to invite your neighbors to check out your church. As a selling point, they mention how you’ve learned good Christian values and manners there. How likely is it that your neighbors will check out your church?

The loudest sermon people will ever hear is your life. Make it one that draws people to their Savior. Make it so good that others see your good deeds and glorify God. Make it one that gives glory to Jesus, no matter who is watching. Make it one that hallows God’s name.

Ask a question at forwardinchrist.net/submit.

Hallowing God’s name to others

In his Large Catechism, Martin Luther relates keeping God’s name holy to the Second Commandment, which forbids misusing God’s name. God also wants us to tell others who don’t know him about his name! In this short study, we’ll consider ways to do that with our friends and family.

Develop a witnessing outline

In 1 Peter 3:15, the apostle Peter states, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” We prepare for things constantly in our lives. What could be more important to prepare for than witnessing to others?

One way to prepare is to have an outline in mind. A familiar one in our synod is “God’s Great Exchange” (available from Northwestern Publishing House). No matter what outline we use, the most important thing is to find a way to show our sins by using the law and show our Savior by using the gospel.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 3:23,24; and Romans 6:23.

How can you point out law and gospel by using those verses? Think how you might share those verses with others by applying them to your life.

Listen and share

Someone has said, “God gave you two ears and one mouth. Use them proportionately.” It is vital to listen. Many in this world don’t have many people who will really listen to them. By listening, you communicate to others that you care about them. You respect them. In a way, you earn the right to speak God’s truth to them.

Even after you earn that right, it can be difficult to get past the fear of witnessing. Below are three things to keep in mind. How is each important for witnessing?

• Remember what you want for this person.
• Be genuine.
• Don’t just be friendly. Be a friend.

Remember God’s promises

We all have fears that keep us from being confident when sharing our faith. We fear rejection and worry that we will not say the right thing. More than that, we get concerned that we will offend others and not have the right answers to their questions.

Read Luke 10:16; Matthew 10:19,20; Isaiah 55:11; and Matthew 28:20.

What comfort does each passage give to encourage us to share God’s name?

Remember this truth: We want God’s name to be hallowed not only by us but also by others. God bless your witness!

Author: David Scharf
Volume 112, Number 05
Issue: May 2025