Matthew 6:9

What Does Matthew 6:9 Mean?

Jesus taught this prayer when His disciples asked Him, “How do we pray?” He starts with “Our Father” – showing us that God is personal and relational, not cold and distant. “In heaven” reminds us that He is also majestic and all-powerful. “Hallowed be your name” means “Your name is holy – it deserves the greatest honor.” So prayer starts with relationship (Father!) and reverence (You are holy!) – both at the same time. That’s a beautiful combination.

Hero Challenge

This week, start every prayer by saying God’s name slowly and thinking about what it means – not just rushing through it. Try saying “Heavenly Father” and pausing for five seconds to actually picture yourself talking to your Father who is also the King of heaven. Notice how this changes the way your prayer feels.

Did You Know?

The prayer Jesus taught – often called “The Lord’s Prayer” – is one of the most repeated prayers in all of human history. Millions of people all over the world have prayed these words for over 2,000 years! But Jesus never meant for it to just be a recited poem. He said “pray LIKE this” – meaning use it as a model and a pattern for real, personal conversation with God.

Ages 4-6: Little Hero Question

Jesus says we can call God “Father.” How does it make you feel to know that the God who made everything wants to be your Father?

Ages 7-9: Growing Hero Question

“Hallowed be your name” means God’s name is holy and deserves great honor. How should that idea change the way we talk TO God and the way we talk ABOUT God?

Ages 10-13: Champion Question

Jesus starts this prayer model with relationship (Father) and reverence (holy name) before making any requests. What does this order teach us about the right attitude to have when we come to God? How does this compare to how you usually start your prayers?