What doth the preface of the Lord’s prayer teach us?

The preface of the Lord’s prayer (contained in these words, Our Father which art in heaven,) teacheth us, when we pray, to draw near to God with confidence of his fatherly goodness, and our interest therein; with reverence, and all other childlike dispositions, heavenly affections, and due apprehensions of his sovereign power, majesty, and gracious condescension: as also, to pray with and for others.

Proofs

• The preface of the Lord’s prayer (contained in these words, Our Father which art in heaven,) (Matthew 6:9)
• teacheth us, when we pray, to draw near to God with confidence of his fatherly goodness, and our interest therein; (2 Corinthians 3:5)
• with reverence, and all other childlike dispositions, (Psalm 67:2–3)
• heavenly affections, (Psalm 83:18)
• and due apprehensions of his sovereign power, majesty, and gracious condescension: (Psalm 86:10–13, 15)
• as also, to pray with and for others. (2 Thessalonians 3:1; Psalms 147:19–20; 138:1–3; 2 Corinthians 2:14–15)