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ion: — Unto how many heads may those particulars which in the first petition we are taught to pray for, be referred? Unto three especially. For we are taught there to desire —

1. Such graces in ourselves as may enable us to hallow the name of God.

2. Such graces in others as may enable them thereto.

3. Such an overruling providence in God, as may direct everything thereto. What are the graces which we desire for ourselves to the foresaid end?Such as are requisite for every power of our soul, and part of our body to make them fit instruments of hallowing God's name, as —

1. For our understanding, we desire knowledge of God; that (as the apostle prayeth) "God would give to us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him."

2. For our will, we desire a thorough and full submission of it to God, as to our sovereign Lord.

3. For our mind and will jointly together, we desire faith, whereby we give all due credence to the truth of God's Word, and believe in Him. This is a great honour done to God; "for he that receiveth His testimony, hath set to his seal thus God is true."

4. For our heart, we desire that it may be wholly set upon God; and that He may be made the object of all our liking affections.

5. For our speech, we desire to mention the name of God, as we have occasion, with all reverence; yea, and to take all occasions of speaking of the glory of His name.

6. For our life and outward actions, we desire that they be holy, just, and blameless. What graces do we desire for others to the hallowing of God's name? All those which we are to desire for ourselves.What things do we desire that God by His overruling providence would turn to the hallowing of His name? Everything whatsoever, as —

1. The virtues of His saints, whereby else they may be puffed up.

2. The peace and prosperity of His saints, whereby else they may be drawn away from God.

3. The failings and folly of His saints, as He did turn the envy of Joseph's brethren to the accomplishment of His word.

4. The troubles and crosses of His saints, that they sink not under the burden of them.

5. The wicked plots and practices of His enemies, and of the enemies of His Church.

6. All that all creatures do; that thus in all places, at all times, in and by all things, the name of God may be hallowed. All things whereby we ourselves are enabled to hallow God's name; whether in our soul, as the gifts and graces thereof; or in our body, as health, strength, agility, and dexterity to anything that maketh to that end; or in our calling, whether it appertain to Church, Commonwealth, or family; or in our outward estate.

(W. Gouge.)To what heads may the duties, which by reason of the first petition we are bound unto, be referred? What are we bound unto in regard of ourselves? To make the best use that we can of all the means which God affordeth to enable us to hallow His name, by giving us knowledge of God.

1. So to behold the creatures, and meditate on them, as we may discern the stamp of God in them, and the evidences which they give of His wisdom, power, justice, mercy, providence, &c. David also by this means had his heart even ravished with an holy admiration of God (Psalm 8:1, &c.).

2. To take more distinct notice of God in and by His Word. The Scriptures are they that testify of God.

3. To take all occasions of stirring up our glory (as David styleth our tongue) to speak of, and to spread abroad the glory of God's name.

4. To order the whole course of our life, so as it may be worthy of the Lord, and a means to bring honour to His name. What are we bound unto in regard of others?To do our uttermost endeavour to draw on others to hallow God's name; for this end we ought —

1. To instruct such as are ignorant of God in the knowledge of God.

2. To draw them to set their whole heart on God, by commending to them the greatness and goodness of God, so as they may be enamoured therewith.

3. To encourage them to all good works whereby God is glorified.

(W. Gouge.)What are we to bewail in regard of the first petition?

1. Atheism, which is aa utter denying of God.

2. Ignorance of the true God.

3. Errors of God.

4. Light esteem of God.

5. Neglect of due worship.

6. Undue using of His name.

7. Profaneness, and all manner of impiety.

8. Contempt of His image in such as He hath set over us.

(W. Gouge.)

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KJV: And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

WEB: He said to them, "When you pray, say, 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on Earth, as it is in heaven.