Heidelberg Catechism – Lord’s Day 52
Q & A 127
Q. What does the sixth request mean?
A. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” means,
By ourselves we are too weak to hold our own even for a moment.*1
And our sworn enemies — the devil,*2 the world,*3 and our own flesh — *4 never stop attacking us.
And so, Lord, uphold us and make us strong with the strength of your Holy Spirit, so that we may not go down to defeat in this spiritual struggle,*5 but may firmly resist our enemies until we finally win the complete victory.*6
*1 Ps. 103:14-16; John 15:1-5
*2 2 Cor. 11:14; Eph. 6:10-13; 1 Pet. 5:8
*3 John 15:18-21
*4 Rom. 7:23; Gal. 5:17
*5 Matt. 10:19-20; 26:41; Mark 13:33; Rom. 5:3-5
*6 1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Thess. 3:13; 5:23
Q & A 128
Q. What does your conclusion to this prayer mean?
A. “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever” means,
We have made all these requests of you because, as our all-powerful king, you not only want to, but are able to give us all that is good;*7 and because your holy name, and not we ourselves, should receive all the praise, forever.*8
*7 Rom. 10:11-13; 2 Pet. 2:9
*8 Ps. 115:1; John 14:13
Q & A 129
Q. What does that little word “Amen” express?
A. “Amen” means, This is sure to be! It is even more sure that God listens to my prayer, than that I really desire what I pray for.*9
*9 Isa. 65:24; 2 Cor. 1:20; 2 Tim. 2:13
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