Forgiveness, Temptation, and Deliverance from Evil. Six petitions, the
first three and the last three, refer to spiritual gifts; and only one,
the fourth, refers to earthly gifts. Thus we are taught that, when we
pray, we should think first of God's glory; and that we should pray more
for spiritual than for temporal benefits.

INTRODUCTION.

Our Father Who art in Heaven.

_What is meant by this Introduction?_

God would thereby affectionately encourage us to believe that He is
truly our Father, and that we are His children indeed, so that we may
call upon Him with all cheerfulness and confidence, even as beloved
children entreat their affectionate parent.

* * * * *

This Introduction shows us the manner in which we should come to God in
prayer; namely, as His children, who are asking their Father for what
they need, and who are sure that He loves them and will answer their
prayer.

OUR FATHER.[6] God is our Father and we are His children through Christ
our Saviour. [Gal 3:26+, 1 John 3:1, 2, Rom. 8:16] We should therefore
be sure that He will receive us kindly for Jesus' sake whenever we come
before him with our prayers. We should CALL UPON HIM WITH ALL
CHEERFULNESS AND CONFIDENCE, EVEN AS BELOVED CHILDREN ENTREAT THEIR
AFFECTIONATE PARENT. [Matt. 7:11+, Rom. 8:15+, Heb. 4:16]