The Heidelberg Catechism

A. Amen means, This is sure to be! It is even more sure that God listens to my prayer, than that I really desire what I pray for.1

A. First, we must pray from the heart to no other than the one true God, who has revealed himself in his Word, asking for everything he has commanded us to ask for.1 Second, we must acknowledge our need and misery, hiding nothing, and humble ourselves in his majestic presence.2 Third, we must rest on this unshakable foundation: even though we do not deserve it, God will surely listen to our prayer because of Christ our Lord. That is what he promised us in his Word.3

A. Everything we need, spiritually and physically,1 as embraced in the prayer Christ our Lord himself taught us.

A. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.1*

A. At the very beginning of our prayer Christ wants to kindle in us what is basic to our prayer- the childlike awe and trust that God through Christ has become our Father. Our fathers do not refuse us the things of this life; God our Father will even less refuse to give us what we ask in faith.1

A. These words teach us not to think of God”s heavenly majesty as something earthly,1 and to expect everything for body and soul from his almighty power.2

A. Hallowed be thy name means, Help us to really know you,1 to bless, worship, and praise you for all your works and for all that shines forth from them: your almighty power, wisdom, kindness, justice, mercy, and truth.2 And it means, Help us to direct all our living- what we think, say, and do- so that your name will never be blasphemed because of us but always honored and praised.3

A. Thy kingdom come means, Rule us by your Word and Spirit in such a way that more and more we submit to you.1 Keep your church strong, and add to it.2 Destroy the devil”s work; destroy every force which revolts against you and every conspiracy against your Word.3 Do this until your kingdom is so complete and perfect that in it you are all in all.4

A. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven means, Help us and all men to reject our own wills and to obey your will without any back talk. Your will alone is good.1 Help everyone carry out the work he is called to2 as willingly and faithfully as the angels in heaven.3

A. Give us this day our daily bread means, Do take care of all our physical needs1 so that we come to know that you are the only source of everything good,2 and that neither our work and worry nor your gifts can do us any good without your blessing.3 And so help us to give up our trust in creatures and to put trust in you alone.4