Section 45: Lord’s Day 45

Why is prayer necessary for Christians?

Because it is the chief part of thankfulness which God requires of us:^a and also because God will give his grace and holy spirit to those only, who with sincere desires continually ask them of him, and are thankful for them.^b

1. a. Psalm 50:14–15

   Psalm 50:14–15

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Matthew 7:7–8; Luke 11:9, 13; Matthew 13:12; Psalm 50:15

   Matthew 7:7–8

   Luke 11:9; Luke 11:13

   Matthew 13:12

   Psalm 50:15

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

What are the requisites of that prayer, which is acceptable to God, and which he will hear?

First, that we from the heart pray to the one true God only, who hath manifested himself in his word,^a for all things, he hath commanded us to ask of him:^b secondly, that we rightly and thoroughly know our need and misery, that so we may deeply humble ourselves in the presence of his divine majesty:^c thirdly, that we be fully persuaded that he, notwithstanding we are unworthy of it,^d will, for the sake of Christ our Lord, certainly hear our prayer,^e as he has promised us in his word.^f

1. a. John 4:22–23

   John 4:22–23

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Romans 8:26; 1 John 5:14

   Romans 8:26

   1 John 5:14

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

3. c. John 4:23–24; Psalm 145:18

   John 4:23–24

   Psalm 145:18

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

4. d. 2 Chronicles 20:12

   2 Chronicles 20:12

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

5. e. Psalm 2:11; 34:18–19; Isaiah 66:2

   Psalm 2:11

   Psalm 34:18–19

   Isaiah 66:2

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

6. f. Romans 10:13; 8:15–16; James 1:6ff; John 14:13; Daniel 9:7, 18; Matthew 7:8; Psalm 143:1

   Romans 10:13

   Romans 8:15–16

   James 1:6–27

   John 14:13

   Daniel 9:7; Daniel 9:18

   Matthew 7:8

   Psalm 143:1

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

What hath God commanded us to ask of him?

All things necessary for soul and body;^a which Christ our Lord has comprised in that prayer, he himself has taught us.^b

1. a. James 1:17; Matthew 6:33

   James 1:17

   Matthew 6:33

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Matthew 6:9ff; Luke 11:2ff

   Matthew 6:9–34

   Luke 11:2–54

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

What are the words of that prayer?

Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy 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 evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.