Hallowed Be God's Name

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: Psalm 138; Lord's Day 47
Psalters: 76, 332, 409, 222
  1. God’s “name” refers to His title, person, power, authority, character, and reputation - everything that reveals Him.
    1. The Hebrews had so much respect for His name that they would not formulate it with their lips.
    2. God reveals Himself, giving Himself names so we might know Him.
      1. God has revealed Himself so that all men are able to know that He is and that He must be thanked and praised.
      2. But only those given faith can “see” God (John 3:3), i.e., know Him in a personal way (not just about Him).
    3. God’s name is to be “hallowed,” i.e., holy or declared holy.
      1. The idea is that we hold God’s name to be distinctly honorable and worthy of worship.
      2. God’s name is hallowed when His revelation is esteemed as the most important knowledge.
  2. In this petition we ask our Father to do something.
    1. Work in our minds so we more and more rightly know Him and His glorious character.
      1. Give us to know Him rightly more and more, so we see Him in all His works.
      2. Though God’s name is always hallowed, we ask that it be hallowed through us - consciously.
    2. We hallow His name with others by witnessing to Him, and praising Him together (Ps. 34:3).
    3. And we ask that God vindicate His name of all dishonor (Psalm 83).
  3. Why does our Lord Jesus choose that we pray this way?
    1. This petition is to be our greatest desire; nothing is more important to us.
    2. Let us see Him as worthy to be hallowed.
    3. Love God for only then are we able and willing to pray this petition with understanding.