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In the Westminster Shorter Catechism we learn that “Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to His will; in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of His mercies” (Q. 98).
We also learn that the Word of God directs us in prayer. We can use the form of prayer that Christ taught His disciples, called the Lord’s Prayer, in Matthew 6:9-13. We can learn to pray in private, in families, and quietly in our hearts as the minister leads the worshipers in our church services. Prayer is to be made humbly, with understanding, reverence, faith and love. Prayer is a necessary part of our Christian lives, both in public and private. Christ, who had no sin, often rose to pray a great while before daybreak or prayed during the night. We are weak and sinful, and it is impossible for us to show a good faith in Christ without prayer in our lives. We like to talk with those we love and God desires our “talking” with Him.
Prayer is also asking God for things that He has promised to give. Matthew 21:22 says, “And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Prayer helps when we are faced with sin and temptation, when we have need for wisdom, and when we become tired in our work.
Let us live and pray as if we believe God to be both willing and able to do great things for us!
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in 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, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13
Think About It
Is it necessary to pray aloud for God to hear our prayers?
What should we say in praying to God?
In whose name should we pray?
What does it mean to pray in the name of Christ?
(J. G. Vos, Bible Truths for Young Christians)
—Excerpted from When We Worship God by Max and Fran Mann