WLC 188

Westminster Larger Catechism

Q188. Of how many parts doth the Lord's prayer consist?

The Lord's prayer consists of three parts; a preface, petitions, and a conclusion.

For discussion

  1. WSC Q98 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
  2. HC Q116 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
  3. The Assembly divided over this: The Regulative Principle of Worship. Only what God commands may be done in worship. What turns on the answer?

Read alongside

WSC Q98 · HC Q116

Leader's notes

A Body of Divinity (Thomas Ridgley): Quest. CLXXXVIII., CLXXXIX. QUEST. CLXXXVIII. Of how many parts doth the Lord’s prayer consist? ANSW. The Lord’s prayer consists of three parts, a preface, petitions, and a conclusion. QUEST. CLXXXIX. What doth the preface of the Lord’s prayer teach us? ANSW. The preface of the Lord’s prayer [contained in these words, Our Father which art in heaven] teacheth us, when we pray, to draw near to God with confidence of his fatherly goodness, and our interest therein, with reverence, and all other child-like dispositions, heavenly affections, and due apprehensions of his Sovereign power, majesty, and gracious condescension; as also to pray with, and for others. In this prayer we are taught to begin our prayers with a preface, and therein…