WSC 101
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q101. What do we pray for in the first petition?
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.
Proof texts
- Matt. 6:9 — [9] Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
- Ps. 67:2-3 — [2] that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. [3] Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!
- Ps. 83 — [1] O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God! [2] For behold, your enemies make an uproar; those who hate you have raised their heads. [3] They lay crafty plans against your people; they consult together against your treasured ones. [4] They say, “Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!” [5] For they conspire with one accord; against you they make a covenant — [6] the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites, [7] Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; [8] Asshur also has joined them; they are the strong arm of the children of Lot. <i>Selah</i> [9] Do to them as you did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon, [10] who were destroyed at En-dor, who became dung for the ground. [11] Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, [12] who said, “Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God.” [13] O my God, make them like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind. [14] As fire consumes the forest, as the flame sets the mountains ablaze, [15] so may you pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your hurricane! [16] Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek your name, O LORD. [17] Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever; let them perish in disgrace, [18] that they may know that you alone, whose name is the LORD, are the Most High over all the earth.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Matt. 6:9 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WLC Q178 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q190 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?