Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were and offering far to small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life,

My all.

Yesterday we completed a several month look at the Heidelberg Catechism. Today, the last posting of a devotional until they resume in the New Year, is a video excerpt from Simon Guillebaud’s new video series, “More Than Conquerors.” In his Simonesque way he challenges us – not simply for the sake of challenge and provocation – but challenges us with the Gospel, and the call to live a fully Gospel orientated life. I can’t wait ’till he, Lizzie and the kids are with us at St. Andrew’s (please pray for the immigration process).

See what you think:

Question 129. What does the word “Amen” signify?

Answer: “Amen” signifies, it shall truly and certainly be: for my prayer is more assuredly heard of God, than I feel in my heart that I desire these things of him (a).

(a) 2 Corinthians 1:20: For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.
2 Timothy 2:13: if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.

For your personal reflection:
“Amen” expresses the willing agreement of your mind and heart with the revealed mind and heart of your heavenly Father.  The better we know the character of God and the story of God’s saving interaction with His people the more confidently we add our “Amen”to this prayer.  Lastly, please note, as mentioned previously, that Jesus intended this to be pattern for your prayer (Matthew 6.9 – “in this manner, therefore, pray).  The temptation is to take the pattern and make it the prayer.  His goal was to teach us to pray – not simply give us proscribed prayers.
What do we need to do so that we may properly say, “Amen?”
What is the negative consequence of turning a pattern of prayer into the actual prayer?
What is at the heart of all prayer?

End of the Heidelberg Catechism

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).

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Question 127. Which is the sixth petition?

Answer: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”; that is, since we are so weak in ourselves, that we cannot stand a moment (a); and besides this, since our mortal enemies, the devil (b), the world (c), and our own flesh (d), cease not to assault us, do thou therefore preserve and strengthen us by the power of thy Holy Spirit, that we may not be overcome in this spiritual warfare (e), but constantly and strenuously may resist our foes, till at last we obtain a complete victory (f).

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Question 126. Which is the fifth petition?

Answer: “And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”; that is, be pleased for the sake of Christ’s blood, not to impute to us poor sinners, our transgressions, nor that depravity, which always cleaves to us (a); even as we feel this evidence of thy grace in us, that it is our firm resolution from the heart to forgive our neighbour (b).

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Question 125. Which is the fourth petition?

Answer: “Give us this day our daily bread”; that is, be pleased to provide us with all things necessary for the body (a), that we may thereby acknowledge thee to be the only fountain of all good (b), and that neither our care nor industry, nor even thy gifts, can profit us without thy blessing (c); and therefore that we may withdraw our trust from all creatures, and place it alone in thee (d).

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Question 124. Which is the third petition?

Answer: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”; that is, grant that we and all men may renounce our own will (a), and without murmuring obey thy will, which is only good (b); that every one may attend to, and perform the duties of his station and calling (c), as willingly and faithfully as the angels do in heaven (d).

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Question 123. Which is the second petition?

Answer: “Thy kingdom come”; that is, rule us so by thy word and Spirit, that we may submit ourselves more and more to thee (a); preserve and increase thy church (b); destroy the works of the devil, and all violence which would exalt itself against thee; and also all wicked counsels devised against thy holy word (c); till the full perfection of thy kingdom take place (d), wherein thou shalt be all in all (e).

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Question 122. Which is the first petition?

Answer: “Hallowed be thy name”; that is, grant us, first, rightly to know thee (a), and to sanctify, glorify and praise thee (b), in all thy works, in which thy power, wisdom, goodness, justice, mercy and truth, are clearly displayed; and further also, that we may so order and direct our whole lives, our thoughts, words and actions, that thy name may never be blasphemed, but rather honoured and praised on our account (c).

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