For Yours is the kingdom, power, & glory forever Amen

I. A PROPER CONCLUSION
o The pattern of scripture prayers: Pss. 146-150

o Like the rest of the L.P., the conclusion instructs us:

“Let us strive to make the Lord's Prayer our model and pattern in all our approaches to God. Let it suggest to us the sort of things which we should pray for and pray against. Let it teach us the relative place and proportion, which we should give to each subject in our prayers. The more we ponder and examine the Lord's Prayer, the more instructive and suggestive shall we find it to be.” Ryle

II. A POWERFUL ENCOURAGMENT
o Your prayers are heard because of Christ.

“From the Divine perfections the suppliant is to take encouragement to expect a gracious answer. There is nothing in or from ourselves which is meritorious, and therefore hope must be grounded upon the character of Him to whom we pray.” A. W. Pink

o The conclusion is given to strengthen our faith:

“It is to be carefully noted that this doxology of the Divine perfections is made use of as a plea to enforce the preceding petitions.” Pink

III. A PIERCING EXAMINATION
o We are not safe when we pray!

o Context of the L.P. – religious hypocrisy & warnings against perversions of prayer (cf. James 4:3).

o Examine your motives:

o Amen: WSC 107 “in testimony of our desire, and assurance to be heard, we say, Amen.” (cf. Rev. 22:20-21)

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.