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The Baptist Catechism

Question 106

    What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?

    The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer;a but the special rule of direction is that prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called the Lord’s prayer.b

    1. a1 John 5:14
    2. bMatthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4
    Beddome's Scriptural Exposition 14 questions answered from Scripture

    1. Do we need direction in prayer? Yes.

      “For we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness” Job 37:19

    2. Should we therefore seek direction of God? Yes.

      “Lord, teach us to pray” Luke 11:1

    3. Are there particular directions for prayer in the word of God? Yes.

      “Take with you words and turn unto the Lord; say unto him” Hosea 14:2

    4. And particular examples of prayer? Yes.

      “And Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying” 1 Chronicles 4:10

    5. Is the scripture then the best rule for our direction in prayer? Yes.

      “For the words of the Lord are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times” Psalm 11:6

    6. And is it through a neglect thereof that we are guilty of so many mistakes in prayer? Yes.

      “Ye know not what ye ask” Matthew 20:22

    1. Is the Lord’s prayer of singular use as a directory for prayer? Yes.

      “After this manner therefore pray ye” Matthew 6:9

    2. Doth this prayer consist of a preface? Yes.

      “Our Father which art in heaven” Matthew 6:9

    3. And of petitions? Yes.

      “Hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come” Matthew 6:9

    4. And of a doxology or conclusion? Yes.

      “For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory” Matthew 6:13

    5. Should we imitate this prayer in the brevity and comprehensiveness of it? Yes.

      “When ye pray use not vain repetitions” Matthew 6:7

    6. And in making the glory of God the top and chief of our desires? Yes.

      “For what wilt thou do unto thy great name?” Joshua 7:9

    7. And in preferring spiritual to temporal good? Yes.

      “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” Matthew 6:33

    8. Should those that are teachers of others, like Christ, instruct them to pray? Yes.

      “We should be like minded, after the example of Christ Jesus” Romans 15:5

    Benjamin Beddome (1717–1795), pastor at Bourton-on-the-Water. Verses from the King James Version.

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