Q. 122. What is the first petition?

Question. What is the first petition?

Answer. “Hallowed be thy name.” That is, grant us first rightly to know thee (Eph. 1;16, 17), and to sanctify, glorify and praise thee in all thy works (Ps. 51;15), in which thy power, wisdom, goodness, justice, mercy and truth, are clearly displayed (Rom. 1;19, 20); and further also, that we may so order and direct our whole lives, our thoughts, words and actions, as that thy name may never be blasphemed, but rather honored and praised on our account (Ps. 31;4).

Proofs.

[proof-1] Eph. 1;16, 17.—I cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.— John 17;3.
[proof-2] Ps. 51;15.—O Lord, open thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.— Ps. 71;8.
[proof-3] Rom. 1;19, 20.—For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead.— Deut. 3;24.—Ps. 104;24.—Ps. 136.—Dan. 9;14.—Ps. 103;8.
[proof-4] Ps. 31;4.—For thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.—1 Tim. 6;1.—Matt. 5;16.—1 Pet. 2;12.