Westminster Larger Catechism · 1647

Q178. What is prayer?

Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, in the name of Christ, by the help of his Spirit; with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.
Answer · Westminster Larger Catechism

Scripture proofs

  1. [1]
    Psalms 62:8

    Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

  2. [2]
    John 16:23

    And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

  3. [3]
    Romans 8:26

    Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

  4. [4]
    Psalms 32:5-6

    I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

    Daniel 9:4

    And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

  5. [5]
    Philippians 4:6

    Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Proof texts as given in the original; verse text from the King James Version.