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Confession: The Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 45, QA 116-119; Shorter Catechism QA98

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Preacher: Rev. David Inks

Sermon Outline

Introduction,
I. Why to Pray? Q. 116
II. How to Pray? Q. 117
III. What to Pray? Q. 118
Conclusion

Sermon Video

The Heidelberg Catechism

Q&A 116

Q. Why do Christians need to pray?
A. Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness God requires of us. And also because God gives his grace and Holy Spirit only to those who pray continually and groan inwardly, asking God for these gifts and thanking God for them.

Q&A 117

Q. How does God want us to pray so that he wil listens to us?
A. First, we must pray from the heart to no other than the one true God, who has revealed himself in his Word, asking for everything he has commanded us to ask for. Second, we must aknowledge our need and misery, hiding nothing, and humble ourselves in his majestic presence. Third, we must rest on this unshakable foundation: even though we do not deserve it, God will surely listen to our prayer because of Christ our Lord. That is what he promised us in his Word.

Q&A 118

Q. What did God command us to pray for?
A. Everything we need, spiritually and physically, as embraced in the prayer Christ our Lord himself taught us.

Q&A 119

Q. What is this prayer?
A. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Thy kingdom come, Thy 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. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Shorter Catechism

Q&A 98

Q. What is prayer?
A. 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 acknowledgment of his mercies.

Scripture Reading:

Philippians 4:4-7 King James Version (KJV)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 King James Version (KJV)

16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

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