|
their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.'
The prayer which is here given is commonly called the Lord's Prayer, because it was taught to His
disciples by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Short as it is, it yet contains in its few simple words
all that man needs to ask of God. Yet, as we have already said, it was given to Christ's disciples
not as a form of words which it was incumbent upon them to use and to the use of which special merit
was attached, but as a model by which to regulate their petitions and thanksgivings and all their
worship.
A true Christian should pray not only for himself but also for all his relatives, friends and
neighbours, and indeed for all men, according to what is taught him in the holy Scriptures. For it
is written: 'I 1 exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we
may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity. This is good and acceptable in the
sight of God our Saviour; who willeth that all men should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the
truth.' And in another passage we read: 'In 2 nothing be anxious; but in everything by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of
God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.'
|
|
THE RESULTS OF SALVATION
|
295 | |
One who truly believes that God has revealed Himself in Christ Jesus, and who in Christ has come to
the knowledge of God, draws near to Him in prayer with both hope and confidence, not doubting that
his heavenly Father will hear him and give him what is best for him; for God always hears the
earnest and believing man's petitions. In thus praying to God and humbly laying his needs before
Him, the Christian is acting in accordance with the teaching of the holy Scriptures; for it is
written: 'As 1 many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For ye
received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby
we cry, Abba, Father.' And in another passage we Christians are comforted by being reminded that, in
Christ Jesus, 'we 2 have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.'
Nor are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ bound to pray once a day only, or five times, or seven
times a day. On the contrary we may at all times draw near to God in prayer, and may even remain
always praying and holding communion with God in spirit, according as it is written: 'Take 3
the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: with all prayer and
supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and
supplication for all the saints.' Again it is written:
|
|