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

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Day 267 of 365

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Shorter Catechism

Q 100. What doth the preface of the Lord’s prayer teach us?

A. The preface of the Lord’s Prayer, which is, Our Father which art in heaven, teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence¹ and confidence,² as children to a father,³ able and ready to help us;⁴ and that we should pray with and for others.⁵

Larger Catechism

Q 189. What doth the preface of the Lord’s Prayer teach us?

A. The preface of the Lord’s Prayer (contained in these words, Our Father which art in heaven,⁶) teacheth us, when we pray, to draw near to God with confidence of his fatherly goodness, and our interest therein;⁷ with reverence, and all other childlike dispositions,⁸ heavenly affections,⁹ and due apprehensions of his sovereign power, majesty, and gracious condescension:¹⁰ as also, to pray with and for others.¹¹

Psalm 95:6

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! (ESV)

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Ephesians 3:12

in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. (ESV)

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Matthew 7:9-11

Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Luke 11:11-13

What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Romans 8:15

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (ESV)

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Ephesians 3:20

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, (ESV)

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Ephesians 6:18

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

1 Timothy 2:1-2

2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (ESV)

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Matthew 6:9

Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.

Luke 11:2

And he said to them, “When you pray, say:

“Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come. (ESV)

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Psalm 103:13

As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

Luke 11:13

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Romans 8:15

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (ESV)

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Isaiah 64:9

Be not so terribly angry, O Lord,
and remember not iniquity forever.
Behold, please look, we are all your people. (ESV)

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Colossians 3:1-2

3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Psalm 123:1

123:1 To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!

Lamentations 3:41

Let us lift up our hearts and hands
to God in heaven: (ESV)

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Isaiah 63:15-16

Look down from heaven and see,
from your holy and beautiful habitation.
Where are your zeal and your might?
The stirring of your inner parts and your compassion
are held back from me.
For you are our Father,
though Abraham does not know us,
and Israel does not acknowledge us;
you, O Lord, are our Father,
our Redeemer from of old is your name.

Nehemiah 1:4-6

As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned.

Psalm 113:4-6

The Lord is high above all nations,
and his glory above the heavens!
Who is like the Lord our God,
who is seated on high,
who looks far down
on the heavens and the earth? (ESV)

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Acts 12:5

So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

Ephesians 6:18

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (ESV)

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Copyright © 2015–2026 Tim Hopper. Based on Calendar of Readings in the Westminster Standards by Dr. Joey Pipa. Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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