Prayer: Talking to the One I Love

Why do I need to pray?

• Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness God requires of me.  
• 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 Him for them.

How does God want me to pray so that He will listen to me?

First, 

• I 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 me to ask for.

Second, 

• I must acknowledge my need and misery, 
• hiding nothing, 
• and humble myself in His majestic presence.

Third, 

• I must rest on this unshakable foundation: 
• even though I do not deserve it, 
• God will surely listen to my prayer because of Christ my Lord.  
• This is what He promised me in His Word.

What did God command me to pray for?

• Everything I need, spiritually and physically, 
• as embraced in the the prayer Christ our Lord Himself taught me.

What is the prayer?

• Our Father in heaven, 
• hallowed be Your name, 
• Your kingdom come, 
• Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 
• Give us today our daily bread.  
• Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  
• And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.  
• For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Adapted Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 45