'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — May 29

Hallowed be your name. Christ has taught us to make this the first petition in our prayers. We must learn that the glory of God is to be preferred before all other things. It should be the highest of our thoughts and endeavours. It should be preferred before what ever else is dear to us, yes before our very lives themselves. This was our Saviour's practice: 'Though life is naturally dear; and the cup, which I am to drink, very bitter; and the wrath that I am to undergo, heavy and infinite; yet all these things are not so considerable to me as your glory; and therefore, though it will bring agonies, by death, by the cross, yet, Father, glorify your name.' The same mind should dwell in us. We may pray for other things with limitations and restrictions; but for the glory of God, absolutely and simply. 'Father, glorify your name; and if, in the counsel of your will and the course of your providence, it cannot be otherwise than by my suffering or sorrow, or death itself; yet, Father, even in this, glorify your name. Out of my very ruins, erect a trophy and monument to your praise. Be hallowed and sanctified, although at my cost, and with the loss of all.' This petition is placed first to indicate that in the very beginning of our prayers, we ought to beg assistance from God, so as to perform holy duties that God may be glorified in them. In this petition for his glory, we beg three things of him: first, that such grace comes to us to enable us to glorify him; secondly, that he would grant grace likewise for others in this matter; and thirdly, that God would by his almighty providence, direct and overrule all things, both good and evil, to advance his own glory. Thus, whatsoever falls out of his hand, we ought to cry; 'Hallowed be your name in it!'

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Ezekiel Hopkins, Works, I:74-75
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