The Heidelberg Catechism in Questions and Answers (29)

Lord's Day 45 (continued)

118. What hath God commanded us to ask of Him?

All things necessary for soul and body, which Christ our Lord has comprised in that prayer He Himself has taught us.

1. With what does this question deal?

It deals with the contents of prayer.

2. What are the contents of prayer?

All things necessary for soul and body.

3. What is necessary?

Everything that fulfills the needs and desires necessary for soul and body.

4. What is mentioned first?

The spiritual needs: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).

5. Does the prayer exclude our labor?

No, for we must work prayerfully, for if the Lord does not build the house, they labor in vain that build it.

119. What are the words of that prayer?

Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

1. What is necessary for all of us?

To learn to ask with the disciples, Lord, teach us to pray."

2. Where do we find the Lord's prayer?

In Matthew 6:9-13 and in Luke 11:2-4.

3. In what other way is this prayer spoken of?

As the "Our Father" or as the most perfect prayer.

4. How is this prayer divided?

Into three parts: 1) the address; 2) the six petitions; and 3) the thanksgiving or adoration.

5. May prayer also be offered with other words?

Yes, but then conformably to the pattern which the Lord Himself has given in the most perfect prayer.

Lord's Day 46

120. Why hath Christ commanded us to address God thus: "Our Father"?

That immediately, in the very beginning of our prayer, He might excite in us a childlike reverence for and confidence in God, which are the foundation of our prayer, namely, that God is become our Father in Christ, and will much less deny us what we ask of Him in true faith than our parents will refuse us earthly things.

1. What is the purpose of the address "Our Father"?

That it might excite in us a childlike reverence for and confidence in God.

2. What further is intended?

That without childlike reverence and confidence the prayer is not a true prayer.

3. Why does it say "Our" Father?

It is to express the unity of the church in all places and at all times.

4. Is God our Father by nature?

He is so by virtue of creation, but because of the breach of the covenant in Paradise, God is become our Judge.

5. How then can God still be addressed as "Our Father"?

He is become the Father of His people for Christ's sake.

6. What confidence is comprehended in the address "Our Father"?

That the Lord will much less deny us what we ask of Him in true faith than our parents will refuse us earthly things.

121. Why is it here added, "which art in heaven"?

Lest we should form any earthly conceptions of God's heavenly majesty, and that we may expect from His almighty power all things necessary for soul and body.

1. Is God in heaven only?

No, He is omnipresent.

2. How can it then be said that God lives in heaven?

There the Lord reveals His glory more than in any other place.

3. Why is it then that in the Lord's prayer there follows: "which art in heaven"?

a. That we do not think in an earthly way of the heavenly majesty of God;

b. That we expect all the necessities of body and soul from His almighty power.

Lord's Day 47

122. Which is the first petition?

"Hallowed be Thy name"; that is, grant us, first, rightly to know Thee, and to sanctify, glorify, and praise Thee in all Thy works, in which Thy power, wisdom, goodness, justice, mercy, and truth are clearly displayed; and further also, that we may so order and direct our whole lives, our thoughts, words, and actions, that Thy Name may never be blasphemed, but rather honored and praised on our account.

1. What is God's Name?

God's Name is God's Essence, thus God Himself.

2. What can hallowing signify?

a. To consecrate for a holy purpose;

b. To make holy;

c. To honor as sacred.

3. Which meaning applies here?

To honor as sacred.

4. How does the catechism describe this?

A right knowing of God, and a sanctifying, glorifying, and praising of God in all His works in which His attributes are clearly displayed.

5. What does this question say regarding the purpose of our lives?

That we so order and direct our whole lives, our thoughts, words, and actions, that God's Name may never be blasphemed, but rather honored and praised on our account.

— to be continued —

The Supreme Ruler

"By Me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By Me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth" (Proverbs 8:15-16).

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