Of the Baptist Catechism
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Question What doth the preface of the Lord’s prayer teach us?
Answer The preface of the Lord's prayer, which is Our Father which art in heaven, 1 teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father, able and ready to help us; 2 and that we should pray with and for others. 3
[1] Matthew 6:9
[2] Romans 8:15; Luke 11:13; Isaiah 24:8
[3] Acts 12:5; 1 Timothy 2:1-2

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Is God a Father?
Yes.

O Lord, thou art our Father,
Isaiah 64:8

Is he the Father of all the saints?
Yes.

There is one God and Father of all,
Ephesians 4:6

Should they then plead this relation?
Yes.

Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, my Father?
Jeremiah 3:4

And continually acknowledge his fatherly kindness and care?
Yes.

I was cast upon thee from the womb, thou art my God from my mother’s belly,
Psalm 22:10

Doth this title peculiarly belonging to the first person of the ever blessed Trinity?
Yes.

I will pray the Father,
John 14:16

But is it confined to him?
No.

For Christ is called the everlasting Father,
Isaiah 9:6


Should we take occasion from hence to approach God with reverence?
Yes.

If ye call on the Father, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear,
1 Peter 1:17

And with delight?
Yes.

I will go unto God, my exceeding joy,
Psalm 43:4

And with boldness?
Yes.

Doubtless thou art our Father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not,
Isaiah 63:16

And with frequency?
Yes.

Evening, and morning, and at noon will I pray,
Psalm 55:17

And is such a temper peculiarly suited to the gospel dispensation?
Yes.

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again unto fear, but the spirit of adoption, whereby ye cry, Abba, Father,
Romans 8:15


Is God our Father in heaven?
Yes.

O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven?
2 Chronicles 20:6

Doth this set forth the greatness of God?
Yes.

Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are,
Job 22:12

And his omniscience?
Yes.

The Lord’s throne is in heaven, his eyes behold, his eyelids try the children of men,
Psalm 11:4

And his power?
Yes.

God is in the heavens, he hath done whatsoever he pleased,
Psalm 115:3

And his holiness?
Yes.

Thus saith he whose name is holy, I dwell in the high and holy place,
Isaiah 57:15

And his absolute dominion?
Yes.

For the Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens,
Psalm 103:19

Doth this title distinguish the great God from dumb idols?
Yes.

For the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands,
Acts 7:48

And from frail men?
Yes.

For we dwell in houses of clay, and our foundation is in the dust,
Job 4:19


Is this a ground for humility in prayer?
Yes.

God is in heaven and thou upon earth, therefore let thy words be few,
Ecclesiastes 5:2

And for confidence?
Yes.

Hear thou in heaven, and do,
1 Kings 8:32

And for heavenly-mindedness?
Yes.

Let us lift up our hearts with our hands unto God in the heavens,
Lamentations 3:41


Must we pray with others?
Yes.

There were many gathered together, praying,
Acts 12:12

And for others?
Yes.

We must make supplication for all saints,
Ephesians 6:11

And shall prayers put up on earth find acceptance in heaven?
Yes.

I will cry unto God most high, he shall send from heaven and save me,
Psalm 57:2–3

From A Scriptural Exposition of the Baptist Catechism

The Westminster Larger Catechism Copy a link to this section

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Question What doth the preface of the Lord's prayer teach us?
Answer The preface of the Lord's prayer (contained in these words, Our Father which art in heaven,) 1 teacheth us, when we pray, to draw near to God with confidence of his fatherly goodness, and our interest therein; 2 with reverence, and all other childlike dispositions, 3 heavenly affections, 4 and due apprehensions of his sovereign power, majesty, and gracious condescension: 5 as also, to pray with and for others. 6
[1] Matthew 6:9
[2] 2 Corinthians 3:5
[3] Psalm 67:2–3
[4] Psalm 83:18
[5] Psalm 86:10–13, 15
[6] 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Psalms 147:19–20; 138:1–3; 2 Corinthians 2:14–15