WSC 99
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q99. What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?
The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called The Lord's Prayer.
Proof texts
- 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.
- Matt. 6:9-13 — [9] Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. [10] Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread, [12] and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. [13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
- Luke 11:2-4 — [2] And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. [3] Give us each day our daily bread, [4] and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”
For discussion
- The Assembly cited 1 John 5:14 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 3 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 Q186 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?