Devotional #128

Question 128. How do you conclude your prayer?

Answer: “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever”; that is, all these we ask of thee, because thou, being our King and almighty, art willing and able to give us all good (a); and all this we pray for, that thereby not we, but thy holy name, may be glorified for ever (b).

(a) Romans 10:11-12: For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.
2 Peter 2:9: then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,

(b) John 14:13: Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Jeremiah 33:8-9: I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me. And this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them. They shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it.
Psalm 115:1: Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

For your personal reflection:
The very content of the prayer leads us to this conclusion, “thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever.”  Having made the six great requests in the body of this prayer we must believe that the God who whom we are praying is an all-powerful deity capable, and willing, to give us all that is good.
Jesus taught us the model to pray as well as gave us the reasons (the theology) to pray –rooted in the very character of His Father.  How does this prayer give you confidence to “approach the throne of grace?”  What does this model for prayer teach you about God?  How is this conclusion a summary of belief?