An exposition of the Lords prayer in the way of catechism By William PerkinsAn exposition of the Lords praier in the way of catechisme By William Perkins

Our Father which art &c.

These words contain three parts, 1. a preface, 2. the prayer it self, containing six petitions. 3. the testification of faith in the last word: Amen. Which although it be short, yet it doth not contain the smallest point in the prayer: It is (I say) a testification ⟨p. 24⟩of our faith, whereas the petitions that go before, are only testifications of our desires. Now of these three parts in order.

THese wordes containe three parts, 1. a preface, 2. the praier it self, containing six petitions. 3. the testification of faith in the last worde: Amen. Which although it be short, yet it doth not containe the smallest point in the praier: It is (I say) a testification ⟨p. 24⟩of our faith, whereas the petitions that go before, are only testifications of our desires. Nowe of these three parts in order.

We must consider how our Saviour Christ, doth not set down the petitions abruptly, but he first begins with a solemn preface. Whereby we are taught this lesson; that he which is to pray unto God is first to prepare himself, and not boldly without consideration, as it were, to rush into the presence of God. If a man be to come before an earthly Prince, he will order himself in apparel, gesture, and words, that he may do all things in seemliness & dutiful reverence: how much more are men to order themselves, when they are to appear before the living God? Eccle. 5. 1. Be not rash with thy mouth, & let not thine hart be hasty to utter a thing, before the Lord. And David