their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.'

The prayer which is here given is commonly called the Lord's Prayer, because it was taught to His disciples by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Short as it is, it yet contains in its few simple words all that man needs to ask of God. Yet, as we have already said, it was given to Christ's disciples not as a form of words which it was incumbent upon them to use and to the use of which special merit was attached, but as a model by which to regulate their petitions and thanksgivings and all their worship.

A true Christian should pray not only for himself but also for all his relatives, friends and neighbours, and indeed for all men, according to what is taught him in the holy Scriptures. For it is written: 'I ¹ exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who willeth that all men should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.' And in another passage we read: 'In ² nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.'

One who truly believes that God has revealed Himself in Christ Jesus, and who in Christ has come to the knowledge of God, draws near to Him in prayer with both hope and confidence, not doubting that his heavenly Father will hear him and give him what is best for him; for God always hears the earnest and believing man's petitions. In thus praying to God and humbly laying his needs before Him, the Christian is acting in accordance with the teaching of the holy Scriptures; for it is written: 'As ¹ many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.' And in another passage we Christians are comforted by being reminded that, in Christ Jesus, 'we ² have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.'

Nor are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ bound to pray once a day only, or five times, or seven times a day. On the contrary we may at all times draw near to God in prayer, and may even remain always praying and holding communion with God in spirit, according as it is written: 'Take ³ the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.' Again it is written: