Catechism Question 87
Where do we learn how to pray?
The whole word of God teaches us how to pray, particularly in the Psalms and other prayers recorded in Scripture, and especially in the model prayer given by Jesus to His disciples, commonly known as the Lord’s Prayer.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
This is the fourth in a series of questions on prayer. In this question, we ask where we can learn how to pray. The previous question asked about the proper attitudes in prayer. This question asks where we can see examples of such prayer and learn how to actually pray.
It should not be surprising to see that the place we learn to pray is the Word of God. If the Scripture is our guide to all of life, then we should expect that it would teach us how to pray. And so it does, teaching us about prayer, and giving us many examples.
The answer also notes that while all of Scripture is useful to teach us about prayer certain sections of the Scripture are especially useful. Most notable are the prayers contained in Scripture, particularly in the book of Psalms. As we read and pray the prayers of Paul, Peter, Moses, and other great biblical figures, and especially as we read and pray the Psalms, we learn how to pray.
Finally, the answer notes that the greatest model of prayer in Scripture is given by Jesus Himself. When His disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, He gave them a prayer, which is commonly referred to as the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer is the greatest model of prayer in the Scripture, and so the next series of questions will examine this prayer in detail.
Additional Questions:
Where is the best place to learn how to pray?
What is the best place to learn about how we should pray?
Where can we find the greatest examples of prayer?
Scripture References:
Colossians 1:9–12
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
Ephesians 3:14–21
For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Matthew 6:9–13
“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
Luke 11:1–4
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
Besides the prayers shown above, here are a few other passages that should be read, studied, and prayed:
- John 17
- The entire book of Psalms
- Nehemiah 9
- Daniel 9
- Philippians 1:9-11
- Exodus 15:1-18
- 1 Kings 3:5-14
- 2 Chronicles 6:14-42
Questions for Further Discussion:
What is the best book on prayer ever written?
If we want to pray for others, is it good to pray the prayers we find in the Scripture? Are these prayers really applicable for today?
Do we have to pray the exact words found in Scripture, or can we use them as a model for our own prayers as well?
Have you ever tried praying through the book of Psalms, using a psalm or portion of a psalm each time you pray?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 99 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism and question 40 of the New City Catechism. Any resources you find on the Westminster Shorter or New City Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teaching series “Psalms” taught from October 2003-February 2004, the series “The Book of Uncommon Prayer” taught from February-April 2013, and the series “Praying Like Jesus” taught from June-August 2013.
Suggested Worship Song:
The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23) (Keith Green)
(This song is a version of Psalm 23 set to music, and is a great example of how we can pray the Scripture.)
VERSE 1
The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restore’th my soul
And guides my path in righteousness
For His name’s sake.
CHORUS
Surely goodness and loving kindness
Shall follow me all the days of my life.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever and ever and ever.
VERSE 2
Though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death
I will not fear, Thou art with me.
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
Thou prepar’est a table
Before me in the presence of my enemies.
TAG
Thou anoint’est my head with oil
My cup’s overflowing
CHORUS
Surely goodness and loving kindness
Shall follow me all the days of my life.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever and ever and ever.