God's Rule for Direction in the Duty of Prayer

The rule God hath given for our direction in the duty of prayer is found in His Word, particularly in the Lord's Prayer as recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4. This prayer, taught by Jesus Christ Himself, serves as a model for believers to follow, outlining the key elements that should be included in our prayers, such as worship, confession, petition, and submission to God's will. According to Matthew 6:9, we are to pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name," indicating that our prayers should begin with reverence and adoration for God.

The Westminster Larger Catechism, a Reformed theological resource, also provides guidance on this matter, emphasizing the importance of praying with the Spirit and with understanding, as well as making our prayers subservient to the will of God. This truth matters because it reminds us that prayer is not merely a means of communicating our desires to God, but also a way of aligning our hearts with His will and purposes. A common misconception about prayer is that it is primarily about getting what we want from God, but the biblical rule for prayer emphasizes the importance of seeking God's glory and kingdom above all else.

In pastoral perspective, this truth addresses the heart of the believer, encouraging us to approach prayer with humility, dependence on God, and a desire to glorify Him. As we pray according to God's rule, we are reminded of our sinfulness and our need for forgiveness, as well as God's gracious provision of salvation through Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the rule of prayer points us to the gospel, where we find the only basis for our acceptance before God and the confidence to approach Him in prayer, as seen in Hebrews 4:16, which encourages us to "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."