What is prayer?

Which Bible passages support this answer?

The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 98. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.

1. Psalm 62:8

   Trust in him at all times, you people! Pour out your hearts before him. God is our shelter. (Selah) (NET)

2. 1 John 5:14

   And this is the confidence that we have before him: that whenever we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (NET)

3. John 16:23

   At that time you will ask me nothing. I tell you the solemn truth, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. (NET)

4. Psalm 32:5-6

   ⁵Then I confessed my sin; I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, “I will confess my rebellious acts to the Lord.” And then you forgave my sins. (Selah) ⁶For this reason every one of your faithful followers should pray to you while there is a window of opportunity. Certainly when the surging water rises, it will not reach them. (NET)

5. Daniel 9:4

   I prayed to the Lord my God, confessing in this way: “O Lord, great and awesome God who is faithful to his covenant with those who love him and keep his commandments, (NET)

6. Philippians 4:6

   Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. (NET)

What does this answer mean?

Prayer is offering up our desires to God for things that agree with his will, in the name of Christ. It includes confessing our sins and thankfully acknowledging his mercies. Asking, confessing and thanking all belong to prayer. The Lord's Prayer, explained in questions 99 to 107, gives the pattern.

What can we ask our children?

1. In whose name do we pray?
2. What three things does this answer include in prayer?
3. What is one thing you are thankful for today?