Question. Is it lawful to ask of God, whatsoever cometh in our mind to desire?
Answer. God forbid that we Christians should ask of God, in Christ’s name, any thing contrary to the will of God and our Saviour Christ, and so unmeet for God to grant, and hurtful for us to receive. Wherefore lest we should in prayer be carried rashly by our own affections, Christ himself hath prescribed a Form and Rule, after the which our prayers ought wholly to be directed.
Scripture References: Math. 7:11 and 20:23; John 16:13, 24; James 4:2-3; John 5:14-15.
Question. What Rule and Form is that?
Answer. Even the same form of Prayer, which the same heavenly Schoolmaster appointed to his Disciples, and by them to us all: wherein he hath touched in very few points all those things that are lawful to be asked of God, and proper for us to obtain : which Prayer is after the Author thereof called The Lord’s Prayer. If therefore we will follow the heavenly teacher with his divine voice, saying before us, truly we shall never swerve from the right rule of praying.
Scripture References: Math. 6:9-10; Luke 11:3
Question. Rehearse me then the Lord’s Prayer.
Answer. When we shall pray ( saith the Lord ), say thus : 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 trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation : but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, & the power, and the glory, for ever, amen.
Scripture References: Math. 6:9; Luke 11:2
Question. Dost thou think that we are bound ever so to render these very words, that it is not lawful in one word to vary from them.
Answer. It is no doubt, but that we may use other words in praying, so that we swerve not from the meaning of this Prayer, and do pray to God with such affiance and affection, as I have before spoken of.
Scripture References: This is evidence by the book of Psalms and other prayers contained in the holy Scriptures.