The Lord’s Prayer (Q105-107)

The Baptist Catechism  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented
0 ratings
· 1 view
Notes
Transcript

Introduction

Connection:
What is the hardest thing in the world to do? …
Andrew Randall says: “Prayer is the easiest thing in the world and is also the hardest thing in the world. Prayer is hard because the sinful, selfish heart does not want to pray, becuase it is central to our growth in grace, because it is powerful and effective to change the world, because Satan hates and fears prayer, because prayer is precious.
Theme:
Prayer: The Power of God (Q105-107)
Need:
Prayer is hard—but prayer is a gift. Prayer is a command—but prayer has promises attached to it. We must not forget that Prayer-lessness is Power-lessness in the Christian life. On the flip side—prayerfulness is powerfulness in the Christian life. When the Word comes in the power of the Spirit through Prayer, then there is great fruit and advancement of the Kingdom of Christ. We must battle in this spiritual fight to earnestly seek God, even when our heart and flesh may fail us.
Purpose:
To instruct us in the nature of true prayer in the Spirit; to inform us of the teaching in Scripture about how we are to truly pray; and to encourage the church to unceasing private, family, and public prayer.
PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY

Q105. What is prayer? A105. Prayer is an offering up our desires to God (Ps. 62:8), by the assistance of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:26), for things agreeable to his will (1 Jn. 5:14; Rom. 8:27), in the name of Christ (Jn. 16:23), believing (Mt. 21:22; James 1:6), with confession of our sins (Ps. 32:5, 6; Dan. 9:4), and thankful acknowledgments of his mercies (Phil. 4:6).

Spurgeon: I was once asked: What is more important in the Christian life? The Word or Prayer? To which I reply: What is more important? Breathing in or breathing out?
Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God. Ps. 62:8
Psalm 62:8 ESV
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
Prayer is by the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Rom. 8:26
Romans 8:26 ESV
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Watson: QUEST. How therefore shall we know our prayers are empowered by God’s Spirit, and so he is our Father? Ans. When they are not only vocal but heart felt, when they are zealous and fervent, when faith is sprinkled with prayer, when we have a peaceable spirit, and when we love to be near God in fellowship.
Prayer must be for things agreeable to his will. 1 Jn. 5:14
1 John 5:14 ESV
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
Romans 8:27 ESV
And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Prayer must be in the name of Christ Jn. 16:23
John 16:23 ESV
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.
Prayer must be joined with faith Matt. 21:22
Matthew 21:22 ESV
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
James 1:6 ESV
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
Prayer must be with confession of our sins Ps. 32:5-6
Psalm 32:5–6 ESV
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. Selah 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.
Daniel 9:4 ESV
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,
Prayer must be with thankful acknowledgements of His mercies Phil. 4:6
Philippians 4:6 ESV
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Q106. What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer? A106. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer (1 Jn. 5:14); but the special rule of direction is that prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called the Lord’s prayer (Mt. 6:9-13; with Lk. 11:2-4).

The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer 1 Jn. 5:14
1 John 5:14 ESV
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
Genesis 32:26 ESV
Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
The special rule of direction is the Lord’s Prayer Mat. 6:9-13
Matthew 6:9–13 ESV
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Luke 11:2–4 ESV
And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”
Watson: As the moral law was written with the finger of God, so this prayer came from the lips of the Son of God.

Q107. What doth the preface of the Lord’s prayer teach us? A107. The preface of the Lord’s prayer, which is Our Father which art in heaven (Mt. 6:9), teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father, able and ready to help us (Rom. 8:15; Lk. 11:13; Is. 64:8); and that we should pray with and for others (Acts 12:5; 1 Tim. 2:1, 2).

The preface of the Lord’s Prayer, is Our Father which art in heaven Matt. 6:9
Matthew 6:9 ESV
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
The preface of the Lord’s prayer teaches us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a Father, able and ready to help us Rom. 8:15
Romans 8:15 ESV
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 ESV
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!”
Isaiah 64:8 ESV
But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.
“Vitus Theodorus once overheard Luther in prayer …with what life and spirit did he pray! It was with so much reverence, as if he were speaking to God, yet with so much confidence as if he were speaking to his friend”
The preface to the Lord’s Prayer teaches us that we should pray with and for others Acts 12:5
Acts 12:5 ESV
So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
1 Timothy 2:1–2 ESV
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
John Stutterd, a Particular Baptist from the 1700’s says: We must persevere in fervent prayer. Mourning our low estate, let us seek to the Lord for revival. When Jacob is small, by whom shall he arise, but by his God. It is not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. He has promised his presence, and blessings to his churches. Yea, glorious things are spoken of the city of God. yet, he will be enquired of, to do these things to them. Accordingly, in declining circumstances, the friends of Zion, have given themselves in prayer. Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. Wilt thou not revive us again, that thy people may rejoice in thee? Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. This language is recorded for our imitation. Let us trad in this footstep of the flock. OUr encouragement is great. Brethren, unite, cordially unite in earnest prayer for the revivial and increase of the church. Then will Zion travail and shall bring forth children. The disciples of our Lord, after his ascension, continued with one accord in prayer and supplication. Thus, they waiting for the promise of the Father. The Spirit was speedily poured out from on high, and on one day, there were added unto them about three thousand souls. The Lord still hears and answers prayer. His hand is not shortened; nor is his ear grown heavy. Suffer not division to hinder your prayers. Sensible of your own unworthiness, ask in the name of Christ. Seek his kingdom and his righteousness and in the principal place. Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silent, and give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

Conclusion + Big Idea

Read the Q+A’s Again:
Amen, let’s pray.
Related Media
See more
Related Sermons
See more