Why is prayer necessary for Christians?
Because it is the chief part of thankfulness which God requires of us, and also because God will give His grace and Holy Spirit to only those who with sincere desires continually ask them of Him and are thankful for them.
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What is required for prayer that is acceptable to God and that He will hear?
First, that we from the heart pray to the one true God only who has revealed Himself in His Word for all things He has commanded us to ask of Him;
Secondly, that we rightly and thoroughly know our need and misery that so we may deeply humble ourselves in the presence of His divine majesty;
Thirdly, that we be fully persuaded that He, notwithstanding that we are unworthy of it, will for the sake of Christ our Lord certainly hear our prayer as He has promised us in His Word.
What has God commanded us to ask of Him?
All things necessary for soul and body which Christ our Lord has included in that prayer He Himself has taught us.
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What are the words of that prayer?
Our Father in heaven:
1. Hallowed be Your name.
2. Your kingdom come.
3. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
4. Give us this day our daily bread.
5. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
6. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.