What Is Prayer?

Larger Catechism

Q. 178. What is prayer?

A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, in the name of Christ, by the help of his Spirit; with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.

This definition of prayer includes:  1) Petition, 2) Confession, 3) Thanksgiving

Not all prayer is true prayer. The definition given us in the catechism is Christian prayer, which is the only true prayer that is acceptable to God. Only a person who has been redeemed by the blood of Christ may engage in true prayer. The only true prayer is that which is Trinitarian. The only true God is the Triune God of the Scriptures.

"Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." (Psalm 62:8)

Why should we pray? i.e. offer up our desires unto God? B/C as those who were created and redeemed by God, we are dependent upon God for all our needs. Prayer is a means of grace by which we are enabled to glorify and enjoy God. To glorify and enjoy God is also the chief end of prayer.  What kind of desires must we offer to God? Not selfish desires or sinful desires. Only lawful desires that are in harmony with the law of God and in submission to the will of God.

"And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you." (John 16:23)

Why must we pray only in Christ's name? B/C we are sinners and only in and through Christ can we have access into His holy presence.

"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Romans 8:26)

Why do we need the help of the Holy Spirit? B/C we don't know how to pray and what to pray for. We lack spiritual power and zeal for prayer.

I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. (Psalm 32:5)

And I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, "O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments." (Daniel 9:4-5)

Why must we confess our sins in prayer? B/C the Bible stresses that in order to approach a holy God acceptably, we must confess our sins. J. Vos said, "We cannot have company with God unless we desire to part company with sin." Psalm 66:18 "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me."

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6)

Why should we always include thanksgiving in our prayers? We are debtors to God for every good and perfect gift. We have so much to give thanks for - material, spiritual and eternal blessings. "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." (1Thes.s 5:18)