Hallowed Be Thy Name

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: Exodus 15; Lord's Day 47
Psalters: 16, 332, 308, 288
  1. The meaning.
    1. God’s “name” is everything that reveals Him.
      1. He does this so His highest creature might know Him and distinguish Him from idols.
      2. Only those given faith can “see” God (John 3:3), i.e., know Him in a personal way (not just about Him).
    2. God’s name is seen in many places.
      1. In creation God reveals His wisdom, power, righteousness, goodness, etc.,
      2. In Scripture He gives His clearest revelation.
      3. Jesus is God’s fullest revelation of Himself (John 1:1,14; Hebrews 1:3).
      4. The preaching of the pure gospel combines both, the fullest and clearest revelation of God.
    3. We are to pray that God’s name be “hallowed,” i.e., be holy or declared holy.
      1. The idea is that we acknowledge it to be honorable and distinct, not that we make it holy.
      2. Holy means that God’s nature and conduct is only pure brightness (Ex. 15:11).
  2. We are asking the Father to teach us and to enable us to hallow His revelation of Himself.
    1. So work in our minds and hearts that we may more and more see Him and His glory in all His works.
    2. Make us sensitive to Him so He is not blasphemed on our account but glorified (Ps. 143:10).
    3. Work in us so we manifest by our humility, self-denial, and heavenly-mindedness that He is worthy
    4. Move us to hallow His name with others by witnessing to Him, and praising Him together (Ps. 34:3).
    5. And we ask that God vindicate His name of all dishonor (Psalm 83).
  3. What is the reason our Lord Jesus wants us to pray this petition and to pray it first?
    1. This is to be our greatest desire; nothing is more important to us.
    2. He is worthy to be hallowed because of His transcendent glory.
    3. May we glorify and enjoy Him forever (Psalm 63:5).