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Stump, Joseph

"An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism"

[Ps. 115:1]
FOR EVER AND EVER. The kingdoms of earth and their glory pass away; but
Thy kingdom and power and glory endure for evermore. [Dan. 4:3, Ps.
145:11-13+]
THE AMEN.
AMEN means Verily. By adding it to our prayer we express our assurance,
THAT SUCH PETITIONS ARE ACCEPTABLE TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND ARE HEARD
BY HIM. The petitions for temporal and spiritual blessings which we here
bring before Him are the very ones which He desires us to present. [I
John 5:14]
FOR HE HIMSELF HAS TAUGHT US TO PRAY IN THIS MANNER, and to ask for
these things,
AND HAS PROMISED THAT HE WILL HEAR US. [II Cor. 1:20] The promise is,
that whatsoever we ask in Christ's name shall be given to us. [John
16:23] Hence we add at the end of our prayer: Amen, that is, it shall be
so; God will answer our prayer. [Matt. 7:9-11]
QUESTIONS.--1. Why do we add the conclusion to the Lord's Prayer? 2.
What two parts does the conclusion contain? 3. What do we mean by
saying, "Thine is the kingdom"? the power? the glory? forever? 4.


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