Lord’s Day 45
Q116. Why do Christians need to pray?
Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness God asks of us. And because God gives his grace and Holy Spirit only to those who keep praying and asking God for these gifts and thanking him for them.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Psalm 50:14–15
“Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”
Psalm 116:12–19
“What shall I render unto the LORD all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the LORD the death of his saints. O LORD, truly I thy servant; I thy servant, the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people, In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Matthew 7:7–8
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
Luke 11:9–13
“And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why does the catechism call prayer "the most important part of thankfulness"?
- 2
What does God promise to give to those who keep praying?
- 3
Do you pray because you want to, because you have to, or both?
Illustration
When a child asks a parent for help, it shows trust. The child believes the parent is able and willing to help. Prayer works the same way. Every time you talk to God, you are saying, "I trust you. I need you. I cannot do this on my own."
Application
Set a specific time this week to pray each day, even if it is just two minutes before bed. Thank God for one thing and ask him for one thing. Because prayer is how God gives his grace, making time for it is the most practical step you can take.