WSC 98
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q98. What is prayer?
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 acknowledgement of his mercies.
Proof texts
- Ps. 62:8 — [8] Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. <i>Selah</i>
- 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.
- John 16:23 — [23] In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
- Ps. 32:5-6 — [5] I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. <i>Selah</i> [6] Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.
- Dan. 9:4 — [4] I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments,
- Phil. 4:6 — [6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Ps. 62:8 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 6 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?
- HC Q116 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?