Our Lord Concludes His Prayer

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: Psalm 115; Lord's Day 52
Psalters: 177, 335, 375, 434
  1. Jesus teaches us to be conscious of three things as the basis for our prayer.
    1. First, God’s is the “kingdom,” i.e., He has all authority.
      1. In spite of what the devil says are his (Matt. 4:8,9), our heavenly Father is enthroned over all.
      2. God is King “forever.”
    2. God has the “power,” i.e. the ability to implement His authority and enforce His will.
      1. God’s power created, sustains, and directs all things physical in creation.
      2. Our Father is able to do exceeding abundantly (Eph. 3:20)!
    3. And He is alone worthy of the praise: “the glory.”
      1. God’s glory is the radiation from His perfect and infinite majesty, which includes all His perfect attributes.
      2. That our Father has the glory assures us that He works all for Himself.
  2. “For...” The basis for our requests is the fact that our Father possesses all authority, power, and glory.
    1. We prayed these petitions because God’s is the kingdom, power, and glory.
    2. With this conclusion we are assured that God can, does, and will answer our prayer.
      1. That we believe these truths shows that we have experienced God’s initial work of salvation in us.
      2. Aware of these truths, we are assured of God’s help as we continue our pilgrim walk in this world.
    3. And this conclusion serves as the motive for our life and walk on this earth.
  3. “Amen” expresses our confidence in praying this prayer (and all our prayers).
    1. “Amen” is a transliterated Hebrew word into Greek and then into English which means, “certain” or “true.”
      1. In the Old Testament it indicates a person’s solemn agreement to a truth or law (Num. 5:22; Deut. 27:15ff).
      2. In the New Testament it is used after declaration of blessings, praise, and prayers.
    2. By ending our prayers this way, we have two reasons for certainty.
      1. First, this is our solemn promise to God that we prayed sincerely.
      2. And this is a declaration of assurance that God will certainly hear and answer.
    3. “Amen” is a sign and seal to God and to us.