What belongs to a prayer which pleases God and is heard by Him?
First, we must from the heart call upon the one true God only, who has revealed Himself in His Word, for all that He has commanded us to pray. Second, we must thoroughly know our need and misery, so that we may humble ourselves before God. Third, we must rest on this firm foundation that, although we do not deserve it, God will certainly hear our prayer for the sake of Christ our Lord, as He has promised us in His Word.
Proofs
- First, we must from the heart call upon the one true God only, who has revealed Himself in His Word, for all that He has commanded us to pray. (Psalm 145:18β20; John 4:22β24; Romans 8:26β27; James 1:5; 1 John 5:14β15; Revelation 19:10)
- Second, we must thoroughly know our need and misery, so that we may humble ourselves before God. (2 Chronicles 7:14; 2 Chronicles 20:12; Psalm 2:11; Psalm 34:18; Psalm 62:8; Isaiah 66:2; Revelation 4)
- Third, we must rest on this firm foundation that, although we do not deserve it, God will certainly hear our prayer for the sake of Christ our Lord, as He has promised us in His Word. (Daniel 9:17β19; Matthew 7:8; John 14:13β14; John 16:23; Romans 10:13; James 1:6)