Prayer is a duty that all men everywhere are commanded to perform. The Larger Catechism Q#185 teaches that prayer is to be made with an understanding of the majesty of God and deep sense of unworthiness, necessities, and sins. Prayer is also to be made with penitent thankful hearts coupled with understanding, faith, sincerity, fervency, love and perseverance. While the primary purpose of the parable of the prodigal son is to teach salvation, the manner of approach of the younger son in returning to his father and his pleading for mercy shows a proper attitude in prayer. It also reflects much of what the Larger Catechism teaches on prayer.
As we approach God we should have an understanding and grasp of His goodness and majesty. God condescends to allow men to approach Him and graciously fellowships with His redeemed people. We are to approach God with an understanding of who we once were in our sins and trespasses having no claim upon the Father and His goodness. Acknowledgement of our neediness and beggarliness is another necessary component of prayer; only God can provide our needs just as only He can obtain our salvation. The eternal Lord is not a casual acquaintance to be approached lightly but rather in humility by his oft-disobedient children. Furthermore we are to come to the Lord with a full and grateful understanding of who we are now, having been made alive in Christ longing to know Him better cultivating this relationship. Finally, our prayer life is to be marked by fervency, perseverance and patience in humble submission to His will. These attitudes should fill our hearts with amazement and love for Him and His Son.
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Nathan Eshelman holds a Master of Divinity degree from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI, as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree from Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA. He serves as clerk of the Pacific Coast Presbytery (RPCNA),...
