Oct 21
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Baptist Catechism 105
Q. 105. What is Prayer?
A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God, by the assistance of the Holy Spirit, for things agreeable to His will, in the name of Christ, believing, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of His mercies.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:4–9
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:4–9, 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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What is Prayer? Doesn’t God already know what we need? Doesn’t he already know what will happen? Why pray then?
Well, remember, first of all that prayer is a means of grace.
Q. 93. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?
A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption are His ordinances, especially the Word, baptism, the Lord’s Supper and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation. (Rom. 10:17; James 1:18; 1 Cor. 3:5; Acts 14:1; 2:41,42)
Secondly, understand what prayer is.
Prayer is an offering up of our desires to God…
By the assistance of the Holy Spirit…
For things agreeable to His will…
In the name of Christ…
So we pray to the Father, through the Son, and by the Holy Spirit.
Believing…
With confession of our sins…
And thankful acknowledgment of His mercies.
Yes, prayer changes things. Not the decree of God, of course. But you!
And we know that God has determined to accomplish his decree through means, and prayer is a means of grace.
