WLC 184

Q184. For what things are we to pray?

We are to pray for all things tending to the glory of God, the welfare of the church, our own or others good; but not for anything that is unlawful.

Proof texts

• Matt. 6:9 — [9] Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
• Ps. 51:18 — [18] Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem;
• Ps. 122:6 — [6] Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you!
• Matt. 7:11 — [11] If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
• Ps. 125:4 — [4] Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts!
• 1 John 5:14 — [14] And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Matt. 6:9 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 6 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q98 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. HC Q116 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q98 · HC Q116