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Westminster Larger Catechism, Question 183

Question 183

For whom are we to pray?

We are to pray for the whole church of Christ upon earth; for magistrates, and ministers; for ourselves, our brethren, yea, our enemies; and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter; but not for the dead, nor for those that are known to have sinned the sin unto death.

Scripture references for paragraph 1

Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.

Ephesians 6:18

18Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.

Psalms 28:9

9Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; shepherd them and carry them forever.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

1First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—

2for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.

Colossians 4:3

3as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

Genesis 32:11

11Please deliver me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid that he may come and attack me and the mothers and children with me.

James 5:16

16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.

Matthew 5:44

44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

John 17:20

20I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message,

2 Samuel 7:29

29Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord GOD, have spoken, and with Your blessing the house of Your servant will be blessed forever.”

2 Samuel 12:21-23

21“What is this you have done?” his servants asked. “While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but when he died, you got up and ate.”

22David answered, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let him live.’

23But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”

1 John 5:16

16If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he should ask God, who will give life to those who commit this kind of sin. There is a sin that leads to death; I am not saying he should ask regarding that sin.

Source and edition

Westminster Larger Catechism. NonlinearFruit/Creeds.json, Unlicense. Creeds.json, English transcription

Unlicense. Source transcription.

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