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

3. Thirdly, we learn that there can be no intercessor between God and us, but only Christ. For here we are taught to come to God not as to a Judge, but as to a kind and loving Father. Now he is a father to us only by Christ: as for Angels and Saints, & all creatures, they are not able to procure by any means, that God should become a father, no not so much as to one man.

3. Thirdly, we learne that there can be no intercessour betweene God and vs, but onely Christ. For here we ar taught to come to God not as to a Iudge, but as to a kind and louing Father. Now he is a father to vs onely by Christ: as for Angels and Saints, & al creatures, they are not able to procure by any meanes, that God shoulde become a father, no not so much as to one man.

4. Again, if the God to whom we pray be a father, we must learn to acquaint our selves with the promises which he hath made in his word, to quicken our hearts in prayer unto him. For this word Father, ⟨image 17⟩implies readiness and willingness in God to hear, and be merciful to our prayers. And a father cannot but must needs make some promises of favour to those that be his children: and therefore it cannot be, that he should call God truly his father, which hath not in his heart this assurance, that God will fulfil his promises unto him. Promises made to prayer; these and such like are to be marked as follow. 2. Chron. 7. 14. If my people among whom my name is called upon, do humble themselves, and pray, & seek my presence, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will heave in heaven & be merciful to their sins. 2. Chron. 15. 2. The Lord is with you while you be with him: and if ye seek him, he will be found of you. Isai. 65. 24. Before they call, I will answer, and whiles they speak I vvill hear.