WLC 189

Q189. What doth the preface of the Lord's prayer teach us?

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 childlike dispositions, heavenly affections, and due apprehensions of his sovereign power, majesty, and gracious condescension: as also, to pray with and for others.

Proof texts

• Matt. 6:9 — [9] Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
• Luke 11:13 — [13] If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
• Rom. 8:15 — [15] For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
• Isa. 64:9 — [9] Be not so terribly angry, O LORD, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all your people.
• Ps. 123:1 — [1] To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
• Lam. 3:41 — [41] Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven:
• Isa. 63:15-16 — [15] Look down from heaven and see, from your holy and beautiful habitation. Where are your zeal and your might? The stirring of your inner parts and your compassion are held back from me. [16] For you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name.
• Neh. 1:4-6 — [4] As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. [5] And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, [6] let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned.
• Acts 12:5 — [5] So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

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. 9 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