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A Paraphrase of “Hallowed by Thy Name” (Henry Scudder)

Posted on 04. Jul, 2012 by Ryan McGraw in Prayer, Westminster Assembly

In conjunction with his lengthy exposition of the first petition of the Lord’s Prayer, Henry Scudder offered the following paraphrase of what it means to pray, “Hallowed be thy name:”

“Holy Father, whose name is holy, to thee therefore all glory doth belong. Lord, glorify thyself, make it known that thou only art God, deserving of all praises: make me and all men to acknowledge thee only to be God, and our God, and that of perfect excellency, according as thy name in thy titles, word, and works do set thee forth. And let thy name, which is holy and reverend, be so honored, that so far as any person or thing, hath upon it any print of thy holiness, it be honored and respected accordingly. And far be from me or any man to deny thee in whole or in part, or give any of that glory which is due to thee, to any person or thing whatsoever; or to profane anything, whereupon any footsteps of thy holiness is imprinted.” (Scuddder, A Key of Heaven, 194-195).

Those of you who have learned the Westminster Shorter Catechism will recognize similarities to the questions that treat the third commandment. Here is an excellent example of applying an informed theology in the context of personal prayer and devotion to God. May we learn to follow Scudder’s example and use the Lord’s Prayer with greater understanding.