From Discipleship Weekly

(a publication of the Presbyterian Church of Islip)

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A Word from Our Sponsor Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation. . . -- Mark 3:28-29 The Heidelberg Catechism: Part 3 - Thankfulness Week 47: Our Lord's Prayer 122. Q. What is the first petition? A. "Hallowed be thy name." That is: help us first of all to know thee rightly, and to hallow, glorify, and praise thee in all thy works through which shine thine almighty power, wisdom, goodness, righteousness, mercy, and truth. And so order our whole life in thought, word, and deed that thy name may never be blasphemed on our account, but may always honored and praised. [Ex. 34:5-8; Ps. 115:1; 145; Jer. 9:23-24; 31:33-34; 32:16-20; Matt. 5:16; 16:17; Luke 1:46-55,68-75; John 17:3; Rom. 11:33-36] Suggestions for discussion and review: 1. Without looking back at what the Catechism says, write a different word or phrase for "hallowed." 2. Now, write a different word or phrase for "name." Remember what we learned about God's name in the Third Commandment (Q&A 99-102). 3. Combine the words or phrases you have written into a prayer request you might actually pray. 4. What three things might you say or do if you took your prayer seriously? 5. Re-read today's Catechism with your answers in mind. Write down any new ideas suggested by the Catechism's interpretation. 6. What meaning does "Hallowed be the name" have for you after this exercise? * * * * * * * * * * A true love to God must begin with a delight in his holiness, and not with a delight in any other attribute; for no other attribute is truly lovely without this. -- Jonathan Edwards