Heidelberg Catechism: 'Why is prayer necessary for Christians?'
LORD’S DAY 45
116. Why is prayer necessary for Christians?Because it is the chief part of the thankfulness which God requires of us;1 and because God will give His grace and Holy Spirit only to those who earnestly and without ceasing, ask Him for these gifts and thank Him for them.2
1 Ps 50:14-15, 116:12-19; 1 Thes 5:16-18; 2 Mt 7:7-8; Lk 11:9-13
117. What belongs to a prayer which pleases God and is heard by Him?
First, that from the heart we call only upon the one true God, who has revealed Himself to us in His word, for all that He has commanded us to ask of Him.1 Second, that we thoroughly know our need and misery, so that we may humble ourselves before the face of His Divine Majesty.2 Third, that we be firmly assured, although we do not deserve it, God will certainly hear our prayer for the sake of Christ our Lord, as He has promised us in His word.3
1 Ps 145:18-20; Jn 4:22-24; Rom 8:26-27; Jas 1:5; 1 Jn 5:14-15; Rev 19:10; 2 2 Chron 7:14, 20:12; Ps 2:11, 34:18, 62:8; Isa 66:2; Rev 4; 3 Dan 9:17-19; Mt 7:8; Jn 14:13-14, 16:23; Rom 10:13; Jas 1:6
118. What has God commanded us to ask of Him?
All things necessary for body and soul,1 as included in the prayer which Christ our Lord Himself has taught us.1
1 Mt 6:33; Jas 1:17
119. What is the Lord’s Prayer?
“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on 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, forever. Amen.”1
1 Mt 6:9-13; Lk 11:2-4
