What do we pray for in the first petition?
In the first petition, which is, Hallowed be thy name, we pray that God would enable us and others to glorify him in all that whereby he maketh himself known, and that he would dispose all things to his own glory.
Proofs
- In the first petition, which is, Hallowed be thy name, (Matthew 6:9)
- we pray that God would enable us and others to glorify him in all that whereby he maketh himself known, (Psalm 67:2–3)
- and that he would dispose all things to his own glory. (Psalm 83 throughout; Romans 11:36)
Additional Exposition
Practical response
Should God’s name be remembered?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I have remembered thy name in the night, (Psalm 119:55)
And be loved?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Let them that love thy name, be joyful, (Psalm 5:11)
And be feared?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Unite my heart to fear thy name, (Psalm 86:11)
And be adored?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I will bless thy name for ever and ever, (Psalm 145:1)
And is God’s name worthy of all this?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For holy and reverend is his name, (Psalm 111:9)
Practical response
Should we glorify God in our words?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God, that God in all things may be glorified, (1 Peter 4:11)
And in our actions?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory of God, (Philippians 1:11)
Should we do this in the most common actions of life?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God, (1 Corinthians 10:31)
And at all times and in all circumstances?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: That Christ might be magnified in us, whether it be by life or by death, (Philippians 1:20)
And should it be our constant prayer and desire that we might thus glorify God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Open thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise, (Psalm 51:15)
Practical response
Should we pray that others might glorify God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Let them give glory unto the Lord, (Isaiah 42:12)
And use our utmost endeavours to excite them so to do?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven, (Matthew 5:16)
Should we particularly pray that God’s enemies might glorify his name?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek thy name, (Psalm 83:16)
And grieve when they dishonour and reproach it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me, (Psalm 69:9)
Practical response
Should we pray that God would glorify himself?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Father, glorify thy name, (John 12:28)
And that by all events?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: That the wrath of man might praise him, (Psalm 76:10)
And is it certain that he will do it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I have both glorified it, and I will glorify it again, (John 12:28)
Is God’s own glory his end in all that he does?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, (Ezekiel 36:22)
Should it therefore be our end in all that we ask?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name, (Psalm 79:9)