An exposition of the Lords Prayer made in diuers lectures, and now drawne into questions and answers for the greater benefite of the simpler sort: whereunto is prefixed a briefe treatise of prayer for all men. Published at the request of diuers godly and well disposed: by W. B. minister of the Word at Reading in Barkshire.

The third Condition.

Q. WHat is the third thing that is required in prayer?

A. True humilitie, and reuerence.

Q. Why is that requisite?

A. Because then wee present our selues before the great king of kings, and as beg∣gers, and wee haue nothing in vs that is good, but looke for all graces of him. Yea, we come as theeues, & traitors before our Prince, and therefore we must come with reuerence, and in all lowlines to prostrate our selues before him.

Q. Theu belike we may not come in a confidence of our owne merites and righteousnes?

A. No, al our deserts must be cast away, and we must rely only vpon the mercie of our prince, for if we come arrogantly, we shall rather moue him to anger, then to pittie vs.

Q. How proue you al this?

A. In 1. Pet. 5. 5.* 1.1 Godresisteth the proude, but giueth grace to the lowly.

The Publicane came in al humility,* 1.2 whē

he durst not lift vp his eyes to heauen but fell downe,* 1.3 and sayd, Lord be mercifull to me a sinner: and the Lord Iesus sayth hee went home more iustified then the other.

Such humility had the Centurion when he sayd,* 1.4 Lord I am not worthie thou should∣est enter vnder my roofe, &c.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1. Pet. 5. 5.
• * 1.2

  Luk. 18. 12. 14.
• * 1.3

  Luk. 18. 12. 14.
• * 1.4

  Luk. 7. 6.