Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of - We do not pray to inform God of our wants. The chief thing wanting is, a fit disposition on our part to receive his grace and blessing . This prayer consists of three parts, the preface, the petitions, and the conclusion. The preface, Our Father , who art in heaven , lays a general foundation for prayer, comprising what we must first know of God , before we can pray in confidence of being heard. It likewise points out to us our that faith , humility , love , of God and man, with which we are to approach God in prayer.
Eternal life is the certain consequence, or rather completion of holiness .
It is observable, that though the doxology, as well as the petitions of this prayer, is threefold, and is directed to the Father , Son, and Holy Ghost distinctly, yet is the whole fully applicable both to every person, and to the ever - blessed and undivided trinity . Luke xi, 2. 14. By the dust and ashes which they put upon their heads, as was usual at the times of solemn humiliation . So the Jews frequently did. Dress thyself as usual.