III. Praying, and the Lord’s Prayer.
Question. Thou hast in good time made mention of Prayer. For, now thou hast ended the declaration of the Law of God, and of the Creed, that is to say, of our Christian confession of Faith; it followeth next to speak of Prayer and of Thanksgiving. In the declaring of Prayer therefore, what order shall we follow?
Answer. This order, Master, if it so please you : first to show who is to be prayed unto ; secondly, with what assistance; thirdly, with what affection of heart; And fourthly, what is to be prayed for.
Question. First then tell me who (as thou thinkest ) is to be called upon.
Answer. Surely none but God alone.
Question. Why so?
Answer. Because our health, life, defense, salvation, and all good things do remain in God’s hand and power, it is meet that we ask all needful things of him, and in all distresses fly unto his help.
Scripture References: Ps. 17:7, 28, 46, 78, 104, 107; and in infinite places.
Question. Why may we not call upon Saints, and other holy persons, which are departed out of this life, or upon Angels?
Answer. For that God himself requireth our invocation upon him only, as being the peculiar and proper worship belonging to his Majesty, which we may not give to any other.
Scripture References: Ps. 50:15, 89:26; John 16:23; Isa. 48:11
Question. What more?
Answer. If we should in prayer call upon any other, saving God only, we should do it without the warrant of God’s word, and consequently without faith, which resteth upon God’s Word: And therefore so to do, were a sin against God, and no service to God.
Scripture References: Rom. 10:8, 14:16-17, 23; Heb. 11:6