Of the General Points for Which We are Taught to Pray in the Last Petition
W. Gouge. Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation… What are we to pray for by virtue of the last petition? Such things as concern the whole petition in general, or the distinct parts thereof in particular. 1. In regard of the whole, we ought to pray for sanctification. Thus doth St. Paul pray for the Thessalonians: "The very God of peace sanctify you wholly." As our own happiness moveth us to pray for justification, in the former petition, that we may be acquitted of sin, for which we should otherwise be damned, so the honour of God should move us to pray for sanctification. For this is the will of God, our sanctification, and thereby is the holy God much honoured. 2. In regard to the manner of setting down this petition negatively, we are taught to pray for freedom against the power of sin, as the Psalmist doth where he saith, "Cleanse me from secret faults: keep back Thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me." For in sin there is a guilt which maketh us liable to God's vengeance (this is prayed against in the fifth petition) and a power which holdeth us in bondage, and maketh us such slaves thereto as we cannot serve God. 3. For this end we are taught to pray for participation of the power of Christ's death; and — 4. Participation of the Spirit of Christ. For in Christ's death there is distinctly to be considered a merit and a power. The merit thereof freeth from the guilt and punishment of sin; the power thereof from the dominion, yea, and by degrees from the very act of sin, which in the saints, after the death of their body, shall utterly cease. Of this power of Christ's death thus speaketh the apostle: "We are buried with Christ by baptism into death," &c. And again: "Our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin may be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." This power of Christ's death is conveyed into us by the Spirit of Christ. For we are "dead in sin."What are the particulars to be prayed for under the first part of the sixth petition? 1. Knowledge of our spiritual enemies. Without knowledge of them there will be no fear of them, no desire of help and succour against them, or of freedom from them. 2. Sight of the danger wherein we are by reason of them. When Elisha's servant saw the host of Aram that compassed the place where he was, then he cried out, "Alas, my master, how shall we do?" 3. Wisdom to discern their wiles, their many cunning stratagems, and kinds of assaults. David, who obtained such wisdom, undoubtedly prayed for it (Psalm 119:98-100). 4. Understanding of our own weakness. 5. Knowledge of the almighty power of God. Thus doth the apostle expressly pray in behalf of the Ephesians that they may know what is "the exceeding greatness of His power towards them that believe." 6. Restraint of Satan's power. This the angel intended when he said to the devil, "The Lord rebuke thee" (Jude 1:9). 7. Assistance from God; for though Satan be restrained, yet cannot we stand of ourselves, but shall fall, even through our own weakness. 8. Confidence and courage in God. 9. Sufficient grace to bear out assaults when we are tempted; for sometimes it is needful for us to be tempted. 10. Power over the flesh. 11. Contempt of the world. 12. Patience under all crosses. 13. Removal of judgments. 14. A blessed departure out of this world. So long as we are in this world we are subject to many evils, which lie and press sore upon us. (W. Gouge.) Parallel Verses KJV: And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. WEB: Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'"