Preparing Our Heartstrings to Receive the Bow

"Hallowed be Your name" prepares our heartstrings to receive the bow of prayer and make a pleasant sound.  

-Kevin DeYoung's The Good News We Almost Forgot

What does the first request in the Lord's Prayer mean?

"Hallowed be Your name" means, 

• Help us to really know You, to bless, worship, and praise You for all Your works 
• and for all that shines forth from them: 
• Your almighty power, wisdom, kindness, justice, mercy, and truth.  

And it means, 

• help us to direct all our living - 
• what we think, say, and do - 
• so Your name will never be blasphemed because of us 
• but always honored and praised.

John 17:3 

• And this is eternal life, 
• that they know You, 
• the only true God 
• and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 

Jeremiah 9:23, 24 

• Thus says the LORD, “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, 
• let not the mighty man glory in his might, 
• let not the rich man glory in his riches; 
• but let him who glories glory in this, 
• that he understands and knows me, 
• that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth; 
• for in these things I delight, says the LORD.”

Adapted Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 47