OF PRAYER
LORD’S DAY 45
116. Why is prayer necessary for Christians?
Because it is the chief part of thankfulness which God requires of us,1Psalm 50:14-15 and because God will give His grace and Holy Spirit only to those who earnestly and without ceasing ask them of Him, and render thanks unto Him for them.2Matthew 7:7-8; Luke 11:9-10,13; Matthew 13:12; Ephesians 6:18
117. What belongs to such prayer which is acceptable to God and which He will hear?
First, that with our whole heart3John 4:22-24 we call only upon the one true God, who has revealed Himself to us in His Word,4Romans 8:26; 1 John 5:14 for all that He has commanded us to ask of Him;5Psalm 27:8 second, that we thoroughly know our need and misery,62 Chronicles 20:12 so as to humble ourselves in the presence of His divine Majesty;7Psalm 2:10; 34:18; Isaiah 66:2 third, that we be firmly assured,8Romans 10:14; James 1:6 that notwithstanding our unworthiness, He will, for the sake of Christ our Lord, certainly hear our prayer,9John 14:13-16; Daniel 9:17-18 as He has promised us in His Word.10Matthew 7:8; Psalm 143:1; Luke 18:13
118. What has God commanded us to ask Him?
All things necessary for soul and body,11James 1:17; Matthew 6:33; 1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6 which Christ our Lord comprised in the prayer, which He Himself taught us.
119. What is the Lord’s Prayer?
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.12Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4