Exposition of the Shorter Catechism, Question 100
Of the Preface to the Lords Prayer.
Quest. 100. WHat doth the Preface of the Lords Prayer teach us?
A. The Preface of the Lords Prayer [which is, our Father, which art in Heaven] teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence, and confidence, as Children to a Father ready to help us, and that we should pray with and for others.
Q. 1. What doth the word Father import in this Preface?
A. It imports the Spirit of Adoption to be the principle of all acceptable prayers, Gal. 4.6. And because ye are sons, God hath given forth the spirit of his son into our hearts: crying; Abba, Father.
Q. 2. What's the first benefit or he…p we have in Prayer from the Spirit of Adoption?
A. He excites our Spirits to seek God in prayer, Psal. 27.8. when thou saidest, seek ye my face, my heart said unto thee, thy face, Lord, will I seek.
Q. 3. What's the second Assistance he gives us in prayer?
A. He indites and suggests sutable and acceptable matter to us in prayer. Rom. 8.26. Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the spirit it self maketh intercession for us. &c.
Q. 4. What's the third Benefit we have by him in prayer?
A. He fills our Souls with spiritual and Holy affections in prayer, and helps us to act his Graces in our Duties, Rom. 8.26. Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should ask as we ought: but the spirit it self maketh intercession …or us, with groanings, which cannot be uttered.
Q. 5. What else doth this word Father import.
A. It imports that Holy confidence which Believers may andought to draw near to God with all, as Children to a Father, Eph. 3.12. In whom we have boldness and access, with confidence by the faith of him.
Q. 6. Doth it only Signify our relation and Confidence?
A. No, it also signifies the reverential fear of God, which ought at all times to be on our hearts, especially in Prayer▪ Mal. 1.6. A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: If then I be a Father, where is my honour? and if I be a Master, where is my fear?
Q. 7. What is further imported in this word Father?
A. It imports Gods willingness and readiness to grant the best Mercies to his people, that seek them duly at his hand, Matth. 7.11. If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your father which is in Heaven give good things to them that ask him.
Q. 8. Why is he here called our Father?
A. To signify to us that it is not only our duty to pray secretly by and for our selves, but also with and for others, Eph. 6.18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, and supplication for all Saints.
Q. Why is God said here to be in Heaven?
A. It is to note his Soveraign power and dominion over all, as a ground-work of faith in prayer.
Q. 9.10. What else doth it import?
A. The great distance between God and us, which should fill our hearts with an holy awe of him. Eccles. 5.2.—God is in Heaven, and thou upon Earth; therefore let thy words be few.
Q. 11. What's the first Inference from hence?
A. It shews us what a sad case all those are in, that have no special interest in God as a Father.
Q. 12. What's the second Inference?
A. It shews us what a glorious Priviledge the Lord Jesus Christ hath purchased for and setled on his people. Heb. 4.15, 16. For we have not an high Priest, which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities: but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find gracec to help in time of need.
Q. 13. What's the last Inference from hence?
A. That the seeing Believers have a Father in Heaven, they should never fear wants whilst they live, nor be afraid to die, since Death brings them to Heaven, their Fathers house.