WSC 100
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q100. What doth the preface of the Lord's Prayer teach us?
The preface of the Lord's Prayer, which is, Our Father which art in heaven, teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father, able and ready to help us; and that we should pray with and for others.
Proof texts
- Matt. 6:9 — [9] Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
- 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!”
- 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!”
- Acts 12:5 — [5] So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
- 1 Tim. 2:1-2 — [1] First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, [2] for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Matt. 6:9 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 5 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WLC Q178 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q189 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?