The Heidelberg Catechism

Lord’s Day 46Questions 120–121

Reformed Church in America English, 1879

About this text

Text public domain · U.S.

1879 Reformed Church in America Q&A text with inline proof references. Source: Wikisource scan transcription.

This English edition was published in the United States in 1879, before the current U.S. public-domain cutoff. Rights evidence. Verified 2026-07-14.

120

Why hath Christ commanded us to address God thus: Our Father?

That immediately, in the very beginning of our prayer, he might excite in us a child-like reverence for, and confidence in God, which are the foundation of our prayer (Luke 11;11); namely, that God is become our Father in Christ (John 1;12), and will much less deny us what we ask of him in true faith, than our parents refuse us earthly things (Matt. 7;11).

121

Why is there added: Which art in Heaven?

Lest we should form any earthly conceptions of God’s heavenly majesty (1 Kings 8;27): and that we may expect from his almighty power all things necessary for soul and body (Ps. 115;3).