Of the preface to the Lord's prayer,
An Exposition of the Assembly's Catechism.
A. That form ofwordsmaybe lawfully used,butitisplain its intention was to regulate our petitions by it; and therefore they that use it in spells and charms, as the Papists ; or those that think nothing is prayer, but that form of words ; abuse Christ's intention in it.
९. 9. How doth it appear, it was not Christ's intention strictly to bind us to that very form of words in our prayers ?
A. Divines give us these reasons against it, (1.) Because this prayer is set down diversly by the evangelists ; Matth. vi.
10, 12. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And Luke xi. 3, 4. Give us daybyday our daily bread. And forgive us our fins ; for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
(2.) Christ and his apostles did not always use this form of words afterwards, as appears by his prayer at Lazarus's grave, John xi. and that for his apostles,
Johnxvii.
(3.)Because these words, Matth. vi. 9. After this manner, &c. plainly shew, its use was intended for a directory to us.
Q. 10. What is the first inference from hence ?
A. Hence we learn the fulness and completeness of the Scriptures, not only for the guiding and setthng of our faith in things that are to be believed, but also ofourwholepractice, ineveryduty we are to perform .
Q. 11. What is the second inference hence ?
A. Hence we are informed, how necessary it is to acquaint ourselves with the mind of God, revealed in his word, that we may guide ourselves in prayer, both for matter and manner thereby; and not utter toGodwords without knowledge.
Q. 12. What is the last inference from hence ?
A. That those who neglect all prayer, and those that satisfy themselves with a form of prayer, which they utter without knowledge or affection, do greatly fin against God. And that it is the duty of all Christians, from a sense of their own fins, wants, and mercies, to be often with God in prayer, guiding
themselves in that spiritual duty, by such inward and outward helps, as his word and Spirit are able to furnish them with.
Of the Preface to the Lord's Prayer.
Quest. 100.W Hat doth the preface of the Lord's prayer teach us ?
A.The preface of the Lord's prayer, which is, [Our Father which art in heaven,] teacheth us to draw near to God with all
An Exposition of the Assembly's Catechism.
holy reverence and confidence, as children to a Father, able and. ready to help us : and that weshouldpray with and for others.
Q. 1. What doth the word Father import in this preface ?
A. It imports the Spirit of adoption to be the principle of all acceptable prayers ; Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons,
God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Q. 2. What is the first benefit,or help we have in prayer, from the Spirit of adoption ?
A. He excites our spirits to feekGod in prayer ; Psal. xxvii.
8. When thou faidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
Q. 3. What is the second assistance he gives us in prayer ?
A. He indites and suggests suitable and acceptable matter to us in prayer ; Rom. viii. 26. Likewise the Spirit alsohelpeth our infirmities : for we know not what we should pray for as we ought ; but the Spirit itself maketh interceffion for us, c.
Q. 4. What is thethirdbenefit we have by him in prayer ?
A. He fills our souls with spiritual and holy affections in prayer, and helps us to act his graces in our duties ; Rom. viii.
26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities : for we know not what we should pray for as we ought ; but the Spirit itselfmaketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Q. 5. What elsedoththis word Father import ?
A. It imports that holy confidence which believers may, and ought to draw near to God withal, as children to a Father ; Eph. iii. 12. In whom we have boldness and access, with confidence,by the faithofhim.
Q. 6. Doth it only signify our relation and confidence?
A. No, it also signifies the reverential fear of God, which ought at all times to be on our hearts, especially in prayer ,
Mal. i. 6. Afonhonoureth his father, and a servant his master:
If then I be a father, where is mine honour ? and if I be a master, where is my fear ?
Q. 7. What is further imported in this word Father ?
A. It imports God's willingness and readiness to grant the best mercies to his people that seek them duly at his hand ;
Matth. vii . 11. If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your Father which isinheavengive good things to them that ask him ?
Q. 8. Why is he he recalled our Father ?
A. To fignifyto us, that it is not only our duty to pray