What do we pray for in the first petition?

1. What is the meaning of the word [petition]?

It signifies asking or desiring of any thing.

2. How many petitions are there in the Lord’s prayer?

There are six.

3. In what order are these six petitions ranged?

The three first bear a more immediate respect unto God; and the three last unto ourselves.

4. What are we taught by this order of ranking the petitions?

Hereby we are taught, first to pray for what concerns the glory of God, as being the highest and most valuable end; and then for what respects our own advantage, as being only subordinate thereunto.

5. Which is the first of these petitions?

It is in these words, [Hallowed be thy name].

6. What is signified by the [name] of God in this petition?

It is explained in the answer to be, [all that whereby he maketh himself known].

7. What is our duty with reference to this name of God?

It is to pray that it may be [hallowed].

8. What is the meaning of the word HALLOWED?

It is explained in the answer to be the same with glorified: when we pray, Hallowed be thy name, we pray that God himself may be glorified.

9. By whom should we pray that God’s name may be hallowed or glorified?

We should pray that his name may be glorified by himself; and likewise that he [would enable us and others to glorify him].

10. What do we mean, when we pray that God’s name may be glorified by himself?

We mean, that he would be pleased daily to demonstrate it more and more to the world, to be what it really is, most holy and most glorious, so as to excite that adoration and esteem which is due to him; for, says he, “I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people will I be glorified,”

11. Where doth he thus demonstrate the glory of his own name?

In his word; and by his works, both of creation and providence, particularly by the glorious device of redemption.

12. What do we acknowledge, when we pray, that God would enable us and others to glorify him?

We thereby acknowledge “the utter inability and indisposition, that is in ourselves, and all men, to honour God aright,” [Larger Cat. Quest. 190.]

13. What is requisite in order to our honouring God aright?

In order hereunto, it is requisite that we diligently attend to the several ways whereby God [maketh himself known]; such as, his attributes, ordinances, word, and works; and see if we are studying to glorify him in all these.

14. How do we glorify him in his attributes or perfections?

When we think or speak of them with becoming reverence, and endeavour to exercise suitable acts of faith upon them; such as, admiring his wisdom, depending on his power, and trusting to his faithfulness, that he will do as he has said.

15. How do we glorify him in his ordinances?

When we attend upon them, and improve them for our spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace.

16. How do we glorify him in his word?

When we believe it as the record of God.

17. How do we glorify him in his work of creation?

When we take up and admire his eternal power and Godhead, as shining therein.

18. How do we glorify him in his works of providence?

When we have a grateful sense of his mercies, Genesis 32:10 and tremble at his judgments. Psalm 119:120

19. How do we honour him in his glorious device of redemption?

When we receive and rest upon Christ alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.

20. What do we mean, when we pray that God would enable OTHERS to glorify him, as well as ourselves?

We thereby in effect pray, that the earth may be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea; Isaiah 11:9 that so from the uttermost part of the earth may be heard songs, even glory to the righteous. Isaiah 24:16

21. What are these things we should pray God would prevent and remove, that his name may be glorified?

We should pray, “that he would prevent and remove Atheism, ignorance, idolatry, and whatever is dishonourable to him.” [Larger Cat. Quest. 190.]

22. What should we pray God would do, in the course of his providence, for glorifying his own name?

[That he would dispose all things to his own glory].

23. How doth God dispose all things to his own glory?

By bringing a revenue of glory to himself, even out of these things that seem most opposite thereunto.

24. What are these seemingly opposite things, out of which God brings a revenue of glory to himself?

Amongst others, there are persecutions, and the falls of believers.

25. How doth he bring a revenue of glory to himself out of persecutions?

By over-ruling them to the furtherance of the gospel.

26. How doth he bring glory to himself out of the falls of believers?

By over-ruling their falls and miscarriages in such manner, as that hereby they are made more humble, watchful, and circumspect for the future.