The Holy Name

What is the first petition [in the Lord’s Prayer]?

“Hallowed by Thy name.” That is: Help us first of all to know Thee rightly, and to hallow, glorify, and praise Thee in all Thy works through which there shine Thine almighty power, wisdom, goodness, righteousness, mercy, and truth. And so order our whole life in thought, word, and deed that thy name may never be blasphemed on our account, but may always be honored and praised.

I. Begin with the Proper Approach to God

A. Progress in prayer relates to progress in grace.  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.  (John 17:3)

B. Jesus was teaching us to pray to the God He had revealed to us in Himself.  Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.  (John 8:19)

C. Acceptable prayer can never move far from the original concern of any believer, to glorify and enjoy God.   Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.  (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

D. Nothing counts for much till we have prayed about it.  Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.  (John 6:27-29)

Belief displays itself in action.

E. The unredeemed man does not have the capacity to approach God properly.   And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.  (Matthew 16:17)

II. Seek Appropriate Answers

A. Fit prayer with Scripture.  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.  (Psalm 119:105)

1. Scripturally focused prayer will draw the believer to the holy God.  O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.  (Psalm 43:3)

2. Prayer must interact with Scripture to accomplish its objective.  For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:  (Proverbs 6:23)

B. Ask God not only for answers but also for the wisdom to deal with the answers.  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  (James 1:5)                             

C.  Do not presume to know the answers to your problems. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.  (Proverbs 3:5-7)

D. Expect answers to prayer that are in keeping with what God has demonstrated about Himself and His expectations.  Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.  (Psalm 119:137)