| Question | What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer? |
|---|---|
| Answer | The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; 1 but the special rule of direction is that prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called the Lord’s prayer. 2 |
The Baptist Catechism Set to Music
Benjamin Beddome’s Exposition
Do we need direction in prayer?
Yes.
For we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness,
Job 37:19
Should we therefore seek direction of God?
Yes.
Lord, teach us to pray,
Luke 11:1
Are there particular directions for prayer in the word of God?
Yes.
Take with you words and turn unto the Lord; say unto him,
Hosea 14:2
And particular examples of prayer?
Yes.
And Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying,
1 Chronicles 4:10
Is the scripture then the best rule for our direction in prayer?
Yes.
For the words of the Lord are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times,
Psalm 11:6
And is it through a neglect thereof that we are guilty of so many mistakes in prayer?
Yes.
Ye know not what ye ask,
Matthew 20:22
Is the Lord’s prayer of singular use as a directory for prayer?
Yes.
After this manner therefore pray ye,
Matthew 6:9
Doth this prayer consist of a preface?
Yes.
Our Father which art in heaven,
Matthew 6:9
And of petitions?
Yes.
Hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come,
Matthew 6:9
And of a doxology or conclusion?
Yes.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
Matthew 6:13
Should we imitate this prayer in the brevity and comprehensiveness of it?
Yes.
When ye pray use not vain repetitions,
Matthew 6:7
And in making the glory of God the top and chief of our desires?
Yes.
For what wilt thou do unto thy great name?
Joshua 7:9
And in preferring spiritual to temporal good?
Yes.
Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
Matthew 6:33
Should those that are teachers of others, like Christ, instruct them to pray?
Yes.
We should be like minded, after the example of Christ Jesus,
Romans 15:5
The Westminster Larger Catechism
| Question | For whom are we to pray? |
|---|---|
| Answer | We are to pray for the whole church of Christ upon earth; 1 for magistrates, 2 and ministers; 3 for ourselves, 4 our brethren, 5 yea, our enemies; 6 and for all sorts of men living, 7 or that shall live hereafter; 8 but not for the dead, 9 nor for those that are known to have sinned the sin unto death. 10 |
| Question | For what things are we to pray? |
|---|---|
| Answer | We are to pray for all things tending to the glory of God, 1 the welfare of the church, 2 our own 3 or others good; 4 but not for anything that is unlawful. 5 |
| Question | How are we to pray? |
|---|---|
| Answer | We are to pray with an awful apprehension of the majesty of God, 1 and deep sense of our own unworthiness, 2 necessities, 3 and sins; 4 with penitent, 5 thankful, 6 and enlarged hearts; 7 with understanding, 8 faith, 9 sincerity, 10 fervency, 11 love, 12 and perseverance, 13 waiting upon him, 14 with humble submission to his will. 15 |
| Question | What rule hath God given for our direction in the duty of prayer? |
|---|---|
| Answer | The whole word of God is of use to direct us in the duty of prayer; 1 but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which our Savior Christ taught his disciples, commonly called The Lord's prayer. 2 |
| Question | How is the Lord's prayer to be used? |
|---|---|
| Answer | The Lord's prayer is not only for direction, as a pattern, according to which we are to make other prayers; but may also be used as a prayer, so that it be done with understanding, faith, reverence, and other graces necessary to the right performance of the duty of prayer. 1 |
| Question | Of how many parts doth the Lord's prayer consist? |
|---|---|
| Answer | The Lord's prayer consists of three parts; a preface, petitions, and a conclusion. |