Hallowed Be Thy Name

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: Jeremiah 9; Lord's Day 47
Psalters: 268, 364, 130, 306
  1. The meaning.
    1. God is unknowable because He is Wholly Other, infinite and invisible.
    2. God gives Himself "names" so we might know Him. His “name” is everything that reveals Him.
    3. God’s name is seen in many places: in creation, in Scripture, in Jesus, in the preaching of the gospel.
    4. Only those given faith can "see" God (John 3:3), i.e., know Him in a personal way (not just about Him).
  2. We are to ask the Father to teach us and to enable us to hallow His revelation of Himself.
    1. “Hallowing” refers to something as honorable and distinct; not that we make it holy, but that we see that it is holy.
    2. God's name is hallowed when His revelation is esteemed as the most important knowledge.
    3. Work in our minds and hearts that we may more and more see Him and His glory in all things.
    4. Make us sensitive to Him so He is not blasphemed on our account but glorified (Ps. 143:10).
    5. Work in us so we show that He is worthy to be sought, loved, feared, and honored.
    6. Make us to hallow His name with others by witnessing to Him, and praising Him together (Ps. 34:3).
    7. And vindicate Thy 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. His transcendent glory makes Him worthy to be hallowed.
    2. This is to be our greatest desire; with nothing more important to us.
    3. Only when we love Him, are we able and willing to pray this petition.