Catechetical Sermon: What Rule Has God Given For Prayer?, Baptist Catechism 106

Baptist Catechism 106

Q. 106. What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?

A. The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer, but the special rule of direction is that prayer; which Christ taught His disciples, commonly called the Lord’s Prayer. (Matt. 6:9-13; 2 Tim. 3:16,17)

Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:3-11

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:3–11, ESV)

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Please excuse any typos and misspellings within this manuscript. It has been published online for the benefit of the saints of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church but without the benefit of proofreading.

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Q. 106. What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?

  1. The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer…
    1. The scriptures are filled with examples of prayers.
    2. The scriptures teach us about God, his will, his plans, his purposes.
    3. The scriptures teach us about ourselves and our neediness before God. 
  2. But the special rule of direction is that prayer…
    1. “Rule of direction” means pattern or procedure. 
    2. The Lord’s Prayer may be recited word for word, but it is meant to be used as a guide, pattern, or procedure. 
  3. [W]hich Christ taught His disciples, commonly called the Lord’s Prayer.
    1. The Lord’s Prayer is a traditional title for this prayer. 
    2. It is called the Lord’s Prayer, not because Christ prayed it himself, but because it is the prayer that Christ taught his disciples to pray. 

The Lord’s Prayer is found in Matthew 6:5-15. It consists of a preface, six petitions, and a conclusion. 

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 

In this manner, therefore, pray: 

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 forgive our debtors. 

And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. 

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:5–15, NKJV)

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