Our Father Westminster Catechism
Westminster Larger Catechism Question 189
What doth the preface of the Lord’ s prayer teach us?
The preface of the Lord’ s prayer (contained in these words, Our Father which art in heaven, (Matt. 6:9)) teacheth us, when we pray, to draw near to God with confidence of his fatherly goodness, and our interest therein; (Luke 11:13, Rom. 8:15) with reverence, and all other child-like dispositions, (Isa. 64:9) heavenly affections, (Ps. 123:1, Lam. 3:41) and due apprehensions of his sovereign power, majesty, and gracious condescension: (Isa. 63:15–16, Neh. 1:4–6) as also, to pray with and for others. (Acts 12:5)[1]
Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 100
What doth the preface of the Lord’ s prayer teach us?
The preface of the Lord’s prayer, (which is, Our Father which art in heaven, (Matt. 6:9)) teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father, able and ready to help us; (Rom. 8:15, Luke 11:13) and that we should pray with and for others. (Acts 12:5, 1 Tim. 2:1–2)[2]
[1] The Westminster Larger Catechism: With Scripture Proofs. (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1996).
[2] The Westminster Shorter Catechism: With Scripture Proofs, 3rd edition. (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1996).
