THE SCHOOL & FAMILY CATECHIST
by Rev. William Smith (1834)

The Westminster Shorter Catechism
Question 107

Q. 107. What doth the conclusion of the Lord’s prayer teach us?

A. The conclusion of the Lord’s prayer, which is, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever, Amen,” teacheth us, to take our encouragement in prayer from God only, and in our prayers to praise him, ascribing kingdom, power, and glory, to him. And in testimony of our desire, and assurance to be heard, we say, Amen.

EXPLICATION.

Conclusion. –That which finishes, closes, or ends.

Encouragement. –Countenance, or support.

Ascribing. –Declaring that God alone is worthy to possess kingdom, power, &c. or acknowledging these as due unto him.

Testimony. –Proof, or witness.

Amen. –A word expressive of a wish and hope, that God will hear our prayers, and that it may be with us as we ask.

ANALYSIS.

1. That we receive benefit in prayer from God only. –Dan. ix. 18, 19. We do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies.  O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord,  hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God.

2. That we praise God always, in our prayers. –Phil. iv. 6. In every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

3. To praise God by ascribing kingdom, power, and glory, to him. –1 Chron. xxix. 11. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heaven, and in the earth is thine.

4. That in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard, we conclude by saying Amen. –Rev. xxii. 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.