III. Praying, and the Lord’s Prayer.
Question. Now followeth next to declare with what confidence we wretched mortal men, that are so many ways unworthy, ought to call upon the immortal and most glorious God?
Answer. We do not proudly come before God with our prayer, as though we of our selves were worthy to be heard: but knowing our own unworthiness, we come in the name of Christ our mediator, by whose intercession we trust to have access to the Majesty of God, and to the obtaining of his favour.
Scripture References: Ps. 79:8-9; Dan. 9:18; John 18:13 and 16:23-24; Eph. 2:18; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 4:14, 16 and 10:19, 21
Question. By what means conceivest thou this trust, that thou speakest of?
Answer. I do believe the promises of God, made to us by Christ in the holy Scriptures, that whatsoever we ask with faith of God the Father in Christ’s Name, we shall obtain so far as is expedient for us.
Scripture References: Math. 21:21-22; Mark 11:22-24; John 14:13 and 15:23-24; Heb. 10:19, 22-23; James 1:6-7 and 4:3
Question. Now tell me, with what affection of heart we must pray unto God.
Answer. If we do feel in our minds the grief of our miseries, and sins, that do oppress us, as we ought to do, it can not be but that we shall have great desire of deliverance from that grief, and so with most fervent affection, shall we make suit to God for his help, with all prayers and supplications.
Scripture References: Psalm 6, 30:15, 38 and 124; Rom. 7:18, 8:22-23, 27 and 12:12; 2 Cor. 3:4-5; Luke 18:1, 5, 7; Eph. 6:18; Coloss. 4:1; 1 Tim. 2:1
Question. Is it not then enough to pray with tongue and voice alone?
Answer. God hath promised, that he will be near to help them only that call upon him truely, that is with their heart, and that their prayers do please him: wherefore it is also necessary that we do know that language wherein we make our prayers, that our tongue and mind may go together.
Scripture References: Ps. 34:15 and 145:18-19; 1 Cor. 14:7, 11, 14-15