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What does “hallowed be thy name” mean in the Our Father?

Lords' Prayer
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Philip Kosloski - published on 06/15/21
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The phrase in the Lords' Prayer can be confusing, but it has a rich meaning behind it.

The Old English word hallow continues to be used in the Our Father and generally means "to make holy."

However, that meaning can be confusing as it makes it appear that we are making God's name holy.

Is that correct? How could we make God's name holy?

St. Cyprian gives us a succinct commentary on this fascinating phrase.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church offers the same explanation.

As a result, this part of the Our Father is a beautiful petition, whereby we are challenged to let God's grace into our lives, so that we may be holy, as God is holy.

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