A Survey Through The Heidelberg Catechism LORD’S DAY #45

Westminster Shorter Catechism Q. 88. What are the outward and ordinary 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, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation. Prayer is a means of receiving the grace of God.

Westminster Shorter Catechism Q. 98. What is prayer? A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies. A. Prayer is the believer’s personal and grateful response to God’s speaking to him in Christ - by His Word and through His Spirit - in which the believer communes with God, worships God, grows toward God in humility and responsiveness, submits unto God his desires, and submits to God regarding His providence.

The Place of Communion with God  Before the Fall:  Adam, being made in the image of God, was made to respond to God in all of life.  Communion was intimate and direct.  After the Fall:  “Where are you?” Communion is broken by Adam’s choice and antagonized by sin.  Gen. 3:15 – God now pursues sinful man -  renewing intimate communion  but only through the priestly work of Christ.

The Biblical Language of Prayer  At that time people began to call upon the name of the L ORD. (Gen. 4:26b, ESV)  “O Lord G OD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, … Behold, you have given me no offspring, … ” (Gen. 15:2, ESV)  “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” (Gen. 18:23, ESV)  “Who am I … ? … If I come … ? … Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, ….” (Ex. 3:11, 13; 4:10, ESV)  “Hear my prayer, O L ORD, and give ear to my cry; (Ps. 39:12, ESV)  I acknowledged my sin to you, … I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the L ORD,” (Ps. 32:5, ESV)

The Biblical Language of Prayer  worship – with humility and reverence  faith and trust  lifting up of one’s soul  seeking the face of the Lord  drawing near to God or crying out from afar  pouring out one’s soul  waiting patiently  thirsting after God

Heidelberg Catechism Q Why is prayer necessary for Christians? A. Because it is the chief part of the thankfulness which God requires of us, and because God will give His grace and Holy Spirit to those only who with hearty sighing unceasingly beg them of Him and thank Him for them. Gratitude - We thank the Giver for the Gift. Obedience – God speaks and calls us into His presence. Worship – Heartfelt, whether spontaneous or written. Submission – Training our wills to be like Christ’s will (rf. Mt. 26:39)

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane  “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me;” (Mt. 26:39, ESV)

Do our prayers really affect the will of God?  “And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?” (Lk. 18:7, ESV)  “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Mt. 7:7, ESV)  The prayer of Joshua against the Amorites, the prophecies of Isaiah over Hezekiah, Jonah over Nineveh, etc.  The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (Jms. 5:12, ESV, citing Elijah’s example)

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane  “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me;” (Mt. 26:39, ESV)  “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” (Mt. 26:42, ESV)  he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. (Mt. 26:44, ESV)

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