99 Q. What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?

A. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer a; but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples b, commonly called the Lord's prayer. a 1 John v. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us.

b Matt. vi. 9. After this manner therefore pray ye Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name, &c.

100 Q. What doth the preface of the Lord's prayer teach us?

A. The preface ofthe Lord's prayer, . which is, "Our Father, which art in heaven," teacheth us to draw nigh to God with all holy reverence a, and confidence b, as children to a Father, able and ready to help us c, and that we should pray with and for others d.

a Isa. Ixiv. 9. Be not wroth very sore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever; behold, see, we beseech thee, we are thy people. 6 Rom. viii. 15. For ye have not received ,the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye

have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

c Luke xi. 13. If ye, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

d Ephes. vi. 18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplications for all saints.

101 Q. What do we pray for in the first petition?

A. In the first petition, which is, "Hallowed be thy name," we pray that God would enable us and others to glorify him in all that whereby he maketh himself known a, and that he would dispose all things to his own glory b.

a Psalm lxvii. 1. God be merciful unto us, and bless us, and cause his face to shine upon us. 2. That thy way may be know upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. 3. Let the people praise thee, O God, let all the people praise thee.

b Rom. xi. 30. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things; to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

102 Q. What do we pray for in the second petition?

A. In the second petition, which

is," Thy kingdom come," we pray that Satan's kingdom may be destroyed a, and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced b, ourselves and others brought into it c, and kept in it, and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened d.

a Psa. lxviii. 1. Let God arise; let his enemies be scattered; let them also that hate him flee before him.

b Psa. li. 18. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Sion; build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

c 2 Thess. iii. 1. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you. Rom. x. 1. Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

d Rev. xxii. 20. He which testifieth these things, saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

103 Q. What do we pray for in the third petition?

A. In the third petition, which is, "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven," we pray that God by his grace would make us able and willing to know, obey a, and submit to his

will in all things b, as the angels do

in heaven c.

a Psa. cxix. 34.

Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments, for therein do I delight. 36. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies.

b Acts xxi. 13. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

c Psalm ciii. 20. Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 22. Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion; bless the Lord, O my soul.

104 Q. What do we pray for in the fourth petition?

A. In the fourth petition, which is, "Give us this day our daily bread," we pray that of God's free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life a, and enjoy his blessing with them b.

a Prov. xxx. 8. Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me.

b Psa. xc. 17. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

105 Q. What do we pray for in the fifth petition?

A. In the fifth petition, which is, "And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors," we pray that God, for Christ's sake, would freely pardon all our sins a, which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others b.

a Psalm li. 1. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness; according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

Dan. ix. 17, 19. Cause thy face to shine for the Lord's sake. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive, for thine own sake.

b Matt. vi. 14. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also for give you.

106 Q. What do we pray for in the sixth petition?

A. In the sixth petition, which is, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," we pray, that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin a, or support and deliver us when we are tempted b.