Q. 117. What are the requisites of that prayer, which is acceptable to God, and which he will hear?

Question. What are the requisites of that prayer, which is acceptable to God, and which he will hear?

Answer. First, that we from the heart pray to the one true God only, who has manifested himself in his word, for all things he has commanded us to ask of him (Matt. 4;10); secondly, that we rightly and thoroughly know our need and misery, that so we may deeply humble ourselves in the presence of his divine majesty (Luke 18;13); thirdly, that we may be fully persuaded that he, notwithstanding we are unworthy of it, will, for the sake of Christ our Lord, certainly hear our prayer, as he has promised us in his word. (Eph. 3;12).

Proofs.

• [proof-1] Matt. 4;10.—Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.— Ps. 81;8, 9.—John 5;14.—Lam. 3;41.—Ps. 145;18.—Isa. 45;22, 23.—John 4;23, 24.—1 John 5;14.
• [proof-2] Luke 18;13.—And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.— Ezra 9;6.—Ps. 34;18,
• [proof-3] Eph. 3;12.—In whom we have boldness and access with confidence, by the faith of him.— Dan. 9;17, 18.—John 14;13.—John 15;7.—John 16;23.