Prayer Series XXX

We continue with excerpts from Reformed Reflections on the Lord’s Prayer.

Matthew 6:5-15, Luke 11:2-4

The Preface (continued)

At the very beginning of our prayer, Christ wants to kindle in us . . the childlike awe and trust that God through Christ has become our Father.

Heidelberg Catechism

He both calls Himself our Father, and is pleased to be so called by us . . . [for] He could not have given us a stronger testimony of His boundless love than in calling us His sons.

John Calvin

Right at the beginning of the prayer, with the word Our Father, Jesus reminds us of what God demands and promises. God insists that we give Him the respect, honour and reverence that He deserves . . . Also, God the Father wants us to trust that He will meet our needs. We are overjoyed to be His children through Christ. And so, because we trust that He will give us what He has promised, we can pray to Him with confidence, in the name of Christ our Lord.

Martin Luther

Let the Christian, then, so regulate his prayers as to . . . embrace all who are his brethren in Christ.

John Calvin

Bible Proof Texts: Romans 8:14-16, 1 John 1:3, 1 John 3:1, 2 Corinthians 6:18, Matthew 7:11

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RESOURCES:

The Lord’s Prayer: Explained and Applied (by Wilhelmus à Brakel)

Sermon on The Lord’s Prayer by Charles Spurgeon – “A Heavenly Pattern for Our Earthly Life”

C.S. LEWIS COMMENTARY ON THE LORD’S PRAYER

What Is the Purpose of the Lord’s Prayer? (GTY Ministries)

What is the Lord’s prayer? (by James Ussher)

The Lord’s Prayer: Its Spirit and Teaching (by Octavius Winslow)

The Lord’s Prayer (eBook) (by A W Pink)

The Lord’s Prayer (eBook) by Thomas Watson