What Does Matthew 6:9 Mean?
Matthew 6:9 describes Jesus teaching his followers how to pray, giving them the opening line of what we now call the Lord's Prayer: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.' He contrasts genuine prayer with showy, empty words, urging us to speak to God quietly and sincerely, not to impress others. This verse invites us into a personal, humble relationship with God.
Matthew 6:9
Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name."
Key Facts
Book
Author
Matthew
Genre
Gospel
Date
circa 80-90 AD
Key People
Key Takeaways
- Prayer is personal, not a performance for others.
- God is both Father and holy - close yet revered.
- True faith honors God in private, not for show.
Context of Matthew 6:9
Right before giving the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches that prayer should be private and heartfelt, not a performance for others.
He warned that praying publicly in places such as synagogues or street corners to be seen is unnecessary, because those who do so have already received their full reward. Instead, He says to go into your room, close the door, and pray to God in secret - because God, who sees everything, will respond.
This sets the stage for the simple, sincere prayer that follows: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.'
Understanding 'Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed Be Your Name'
Jesus starts the model prayer with words that are personal and highly respectful, shaping how we relate to God.
In Jewish culture, God’s name was treated with the highest reverence - so much so that devout Jews avoided saying it out loud to prevent misuse, reflecting the seriousness of the third commandment. By saying 'hallowed be your name,' Jesus calls us to honor God as holy, set apart from all else. At the same time, 'Our Father' uses a term of close family affection - like the Aramaic word 'Abba,' which means something like 'Daddy' or 'Papa' - a striking way to address the Creator of the universe.
This combination - intimacy and reverence - was revolutionary. It invites us into a relationship where we are both close to God and in awe of Him, not choosing one over the other. Other Gospels don’t record this prayer in full, making Matthew’s version especially important for understanding Jesus’ teaching on prayer.
Calling God 'Father' was a radical invitation to intimacy, not just religious duty.
The next line - 'Your kingdom come' - builds on this foundation, moving from who God is to what He is doing in the world. That shift shows prayer is about more than our needs; it connects us to God’s larger plan.
A Simple Takeaway: Honoring God as Both Father and Holy
Jesus teaches us to approach God with both closeness and reverence - He is our caring Father, yet His name is holy above all.
This balance shapes how we pray: not with empty words or for show, but with honesty and awe, knowing God hears us in private. It aligns with Matthew’s theme that true faith is inward and sincere, not merely outward performance.
The next part of the prayer - 'Your kingdom come' - invites us to look beyond ourselves and join what God is doing in the world.
Connecting to the Bigger Story: From Old Covenant to New
Jesus’ opening words in prayer echo an ancient call to honor God’s name, now fulfilled in a new and personal way through Him.
In Numbers 6:27, God tells the priests to put His name on the Israelites so that He would bless them - showing that His name brings closeness and protection. Later, in Luke 11:2, Jesus again teaches His disciples to pray, 'Father, hallowed be your name,' confirming that this intimate-yet-reverent relationship with God is central to His mission.
This demonstrates that Jesus, as the true High Priest, makes God’s presence accessible not only through rituals but also through simple, heartfelt prayer.
Application
How This Changes Everything: Real Life Impact
I used to think prayer was mostly about saying the right words at the right time - something I’d squeeze in during church or when I was in trouble. But reading Matthew 6:9 changed that. I realized I wasn’t talking to a distant deity who needed formal speeches, but to a Father who already knew my heart. One morning, after a sleepless night worrying about work, I stepped outside, looked up, and said, “Dad, I’m scared.” I trust You.' That moment wasn’t polished, but it was real - and I felt peace like I’d never known. When we grasp that God is both holy and intimately close, prayer stops being a duty and starts being a lifeline.
Personal Reflection
- When I pray, am I trying to impress anyone - or truly connecting with God as my Father?
- Do I honor God’s name as holy in my thoughts, words, and actions, not only in prayer?
- Where in my life am I focusing on outward performance instead of inward faith?
A Challenge For You
This week, find a quiet moment each day to pray privately - no list, no routine; simply talk to God as you would to a loving parent. And when you do, start by saying, 'Father, Your name is holy,' letting those words shape your heart before you ask for anything.
A Prayer of Response
Father, thank You for calling me close - closer than I deserve. I’m in awe of Your holiness and amazed that You listen to me. Help me honor Your name not only with my words but also through how I live. May my prayers be honest, humble, and full of love for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Scriptures & Concepts
Immediate Context
Matthew 6:7-8
Jesus warns against empty phrases in prayer, setting up the simplicity of the Lord's Prayer.
Matthew 6:10
Follows directly with 'Your kingdom come,' expanding the focus from God's name to His rule.
Connections Across Scripture
Luke 11:2
Jesus gives a parallel version of the prayer, confirming its centrality in discipleship.
Isaiah 6:3
The seraphim cry 'Holy, holy, holy,' echoing the reverence in 'hallowed be your name.'
Romans 8:15
Believers receive the Spirit of adoption, crying 'Abba, Father,' reflecting intimate access to God.