The Lord’s Prayer: Preface

by Samuel Morris | Jun 19, 2020 | Adult Sunday School, The Lord's Prayer

Matthew 6:9-13

“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 also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.”

Q 98 – Q 100 Westminster Shorter Catechism

Q. 98. What is prayer?

A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God [a , for things agreeable to his will [b , in the name of Christ [c , with confession of our sins [d , and thankful acknowledgement of his mercies. [e

[a . Ps. 10:17; 62:8; Matt. 7:7-8
[b . 1 John 5:14
[c . John 16:23-24
[d . Ps. 32:5-6; Dan. 9:4-19; 1 John 1:9
[e . Ps. 103:1-5; Ps. 136; Phil. 4:6

Q. 99. What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?

A. The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer [a ; but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called The Lord’s Prayer. [b

[a . 1 John 5:14
[b . Matt. 6:9-13

Q. 100. What doth the preface of the Lord’s Prayer teach us?

A. The preface of the Lord’s Prayer, which is, Our Father which art in heaven, teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence[a and confidence [b , as children to a father [c , able and ready to help us [d ; and that we should pray with and for others [e .