The First Petition

"Hallowed be Thy Name"

COMPENDIUM

In saying these words, we pray that God may be known, honored, and served throughout the world, and by ourselves in particular. This petition prays that the infidels and unbelievers may come to the knowledge of God, that heretics may acknowledge their errors, that schismatics may return to the unity of the Church, that sinners may repent, and that the just may persevere in right-doing.

We begin my asking that God's Name may be hallowed, because the glory of God ought to be nearer to our hearts than any benefit or good for ourselves. God's glory may be obtained by prayer, by good example, and by directing all our thoughts, desires and deed to Him.

CATECHISM

289. What do we ask in the First Petition when we say: Hallowed be Thy Name?

In the First Petition: Hallowed be Thy Name, we ask that God may be known, loved, honored and served by the whole world and by ourselves in particular.

290. What do we intend when we ask that God may be known, loved, honored and served by the whole world?

We intend to beg that infidels may come to the knowledge of the Lord God, that heretics may recognize their errors, that schismatics may return to the unity of the Church, that sinners may repent, and that the just may persevere in well-doing.

291. Why do we first of all ask that the Name of God may be sanctified?

We first of all ask that the Name of God may be sanctified, because the glory of God should be nearer our hearts than all other goods and interests.

292. How can we promote the glory of God?

We can promote the glory of God by prayer, by good example, and by directing to Him all our thoughts, affections and actions.