A Scripture Catechism
in the
Method of the Assembly's

by Matthew Henry

Q. 101. What do we pray for in the first petition?
A. 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.

1. Ought we to desire the glory of God in the first place? Yes: that God in all things may be glorified, 1 Pet. 4:11. Is God glorified when his name is glorified? Yes: They shall worship before thee, O Lord, and shall glorify thy name, Ps. 86: 9. Is God's name glorified when it is sanctified or hallowed? Yes: for he is glorious in holiness, Exod. 15:11. Ought we therefore to sanctify it? Yes: Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, 1 Pet. 3:15.

2. Are we to pray that we ourselves may be enabled to glorify God? Yes: Open thou my lips and my mouth shall show forth thy praise, Ps. 51:15. And that we may live for that end? Yes: Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee, Ps. 119:175. And be delivered for that end? Yes: Bring my soul out of prison that I may praise thy name, Ps. 142:7. And are we to pray that others also may he enabled to glorify him? Yes: that they may glorify our Father which is in heaven, Matt. 5:16.

3. Do we here pray for the propagating of the knowledge of God? Yes: That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations, Ps. 67:2. And for the conversion of souls to him? Yes: Let the people praise thee, 0 God, let all the people praise thee Ps. 67:3. And for the success of the gospel? Yes: that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, 2 Thess. 3:1. Do we pray for the fruitfulness of Christians? Yes: that they may be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God, Phil. 1:11. And for the flourishing of the churches of Christ? Yes: that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified, Isa. 61:3.

4. Do we pray that God would glorify himself? Yes: Father, glorify thy name, John 12:28. And are we sure he will do it? Yes: for there came a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and I will glorify it yet again, John 12:28. Do we pray that he would exalt his own name? Yes: Be thou exalted, O Lord, in thine own strength, Ps. 21:13. And are we sure he will do it? Yes: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth, Ps. 46:10. May we plead this with him? Yes: What wilt thou do to thy great name? Josh 7:9.

5. Do we pray that God would bring glory to himself out of all events? Yes: To thy name give glory, Ps. 115:1. Even out of those events that seem contrary? Yes: that the wrath of man may praise him, Ps. 76:10. Must we desire it concerning ourselves? Yes: that we may be unto him for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory, Jer. 13:11. And concerning all our affairs? Yes: That Christ may be magnified in my body both by life and death, Phil. 1:20.