When our lives match the words, “Not to us but to your name be the glory!” (Ps. 115:1), then it will be evidenced even in our prayers. When we ask God to do certain things for us, it will be for the sake of His name, not merely for our personal relief or benefit.
Examples of Prayers for the Glory of His Name
Here are some examples of the psalmist’s prayers:
Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. (Ps. 31:3)
Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake. (Ps. 79:9)
But you, O Sovereign LORD, deal well with me for your name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me. (Ps. 109:21)
For your name’s sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. (Ps. 143:11)
Notice how the psalmist requested guidance for the sake of the Lord’s name, not merely to know what to do or where to go. He sought deliverance and forgiveness, not just to rid himself of guilt and make his own life better but for the sake of the Lord’s name. The psalmist prayed for God’s favor and preservation of his life, not so he would have a more comfortable existence but for the glory of God’s name.
Implications of Praying for Effects on the Lord’s Name
These kinds of prayers look at the bigger picture. When we’re concerned about the glory of His name, and thus pray for His name’s sake, we’re acknowledging that life isn’t just about me. We’re concerned about more than personal comfort, conveniences, and commodities. We care that what happens to us reflects the Lord’s sovereignty, goodness, righteousness, etc. And, so we proclaim, “Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory” (Ps. 115:1).
We want our lives to be a testimony of His faithfulness when we pray for the sake of His name. Since the name of the Lord reflects the essence of who God is, answers to these kinds of prayers stay true to who He is. We thus open ourselves up before God to use us and our circumstances as a vessel through which He makes Himself known. We’re inviting Him to make His character and ways known through our lives.
By praying for the sake of the Lord’s name, we’re acknowledging His sovereignty and rights in our lives. We belong to Him. — “We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.” (Ps. 100:3) “Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isa. 64:8).
We’re submitting to His goodness and righteousness, knowing our Almighty, All-Wise, and All-Knowing God will do what is best in accordance with who He is. We need Him to respond based on who He is, not who we are. Think about it: He is strong; we are weak. He is wise; we are foolish. He is faithful; we are faithless. He is worthy; we are undeserving.
More about Prayer: Resources for Prayer Ministry
More about the Name of the Lord: Theology Resources