What doth the conclusion of the Lord’s prayer teach us?

1. What doth the particle [for], which ushers in the conclusion of the Lord’s prayer teach us?

It “teacheth us to enforce our petitions with arguments,” [Ibid. Quest. 196.]

2. From whence are these arguments to be taken?

“Not from any worthiness in ourselves, or in any other creature, but from God,” [Larger Cat. Quest. 196.]

3. What argument, for instance, may we fetch from God, to enforce our petitions?

That mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

4. What force is there in this argument?

A very great force; namely, that all the perfections and excellencies of the divine nature harmoniously agree, in conferring all promised blessings upon sinners of mankind, on account of the meritorious obedience, and satisfaction of Christ, imputed to them, “All things are yours, and ye are Christ’s.”

5. For what end should we use arguments with God in prayer?

Not to prevail with him to grant what he does not see fit for us; but to quicken our own faith, and encourage our hope, to expect the good things of the promise which we want, in his own time and way.

6. Why should we essay [in our prayers to praise him]?

Because praise glorifies God; Psalm 50:23 and engageth him to hear our prayers. Psalm 68:5–6

7. What way should we praise him in our prayers?

By [ascribing kingdom, power, and glory to him].

8. What is meant by [kingdom, power, and glory]?

“Eternal sovereignty, omnipotency, and glorious excellency,” as appertaining “to God alone,” [Ibid.]

9. What [kingdom] do we ascribe unto God as his?

The kingdom of nature, as God-Creator; and the kingdom of grace, as God-Redeemer.

10. What encouragement may we take in prayer, from the kingdoms both of nature and grace being his?

That we shall want nothing that is good for us, either as we are his creatures, Psalm 145:16 or his children. Matthew 7:11

11. Why do we ascribe [power] to God, as well as kingdom?

Because without power, his sovereignty could not be maintained, or his kingdom managed.

12. What encouragement may we take in prayer, from the power being his?

That no difficulty whatsoever shall hinder the accomplishment of the promise.

13. What do we mean by ascribing [glory] to him?

We thereby acknowledge, that he is possessed of all these excellencies, that render him glorious in the eyes of men and angels; and that the praise and honour of every thing that is great and excellent, or has a tendency to raise our esteem and admiration, is due unto him.

14. What encouragement may we take in prayer, from the glory being his?

That the accomplishing his glorious purposes, and performing his gracious promises, will bring in a revenue of glory and praise unto him.

15. How long will the kingdom, power, and glory be his?

[For ever], without intermission through eternity.

16. What is the difference, in this respect, between God, and all earthly kings and potentates whatsoever?

Their kingdom, power, and glory is only of a short duration; Psalm 82:6–7 whereas the God with whom we have to do, changes not, but is ever the same. James 1:17

17. Why do we say [Amen] in our prayers?

We should do it [in testimony of our desire, and assurance to be heard].

18. How may we know we say Amen, [in testimony of our desire]?

When “by faith we are emboldened to plead with God, that he would—fulfil our requests,” [Larger Cat. Quest. 196.]

19. What doth the word signify, when we say it in testimony of our desire?

In this view it properly signifies, so be it, or, so let it be.

20. When do we say Amen, in testimony of our [assurance to be heard]?

When “by faith we are emboldened,—quietly to rely upon him that he will fulfil our requests,” [Ibid.]

21. What doth the word signify, when we say it in testimony of our assurance to be heard?

In this sense it denotes, so it is, or, so it shall be.

22. In which of these views is the word, Amen, to be understood in the conclusion of this prayer?

It is to be understood as signifying both: both as including a testimony of our desire, and likewise assurance of being heard.

23. How doth this appear?

Because there cannot be a desire of any promised blessing in faith, but there must be some measure of assurance that it will be granted in God’s time, and order.