Someone recently reminded me that “Hallowed be Thy name” comes before “Give us this day our daily bread” in the Lord’s Prayer. It’s a subtle yet profound reminder that Jesus encourages us to put God first. Our natural inclination is to prioritize our wants and needs, but God knows that left unchecked, our desires can lead us inward, fostering selfishness. True joy is found not in satisfying our immediate desires, but in seeing God glorified and recognized for who He truly is.
Life doesn’t always unfold as we hope. Sometimes we receive the blessings we long for, and other times we face seasons of waiting or disappointment. Yet Jesus teaches us to anchor our hearts not in the outcomes of our requests, but in the unchanging truth of who God is. Before asking for anything, we’re called to acknowledge His greatness and holiness. When we treat God as if He’s a genie, we reveal a misplaced belief that we know better than He does.
Placing “Hallowed be Thy name” above all else reshapes our perspective. It reminds us that God’s glory and plans are far greater than our momentary wants. That doesn’t mean our desires don’t matter —they do— but it reassures us that God’s faithfulness isn’t tied to whether life aligns with our expectations.
Today, whether you’re walking in abundance or waiting in uncertainty, let “Hallowed be Thy name” be the prayer of your heart. In every circumstance, may God be worshiped, magnified, trusted, and recognized for who He truly is.