We now turn to the last section of the Heidelberg Catechism: gratitude. The HC states that the way we show our thankfulness to God for his grace is by doing good works (Q&A 86). The motivation for thankfulness is generated in believers by the Holy Spirit. The outward demonstration of our thankfulness is keeping the commandments (Q&A 91) and prayer (Q&A 116).
Many 16th-century catechisms included explanations of the Law. The HC is distinct in not simply telling believers what God forbids, but also teaching believers positively what God requires of us with respect to each commandment. Each commandment is expanded and personalized to guide believers for life lived in right relation with God and neighbor (Q&A 93). For example, the exposition of the ninth commandment against giving false witness is expanded to include “twist no one’s words, not gossip or slander, nor join in condemning anyone rashly or without a hearing.”
But that is not all. The positive force exhorts believers “in court and everywhere else” to “avoid lying and deceit of every kind ... love the truth and openly confess it” and “do what I can to guard and protect my neighbor’s good name.” Even if we can avoid the “do not,” it seems very difficult to “do” all the positive actions required. You will see this basic pattern for each commandment.
Q&A 115 segues beautifully into explanation of the Lord’s Prayer. After reminding us that we can never perfectly obey these commandments, it tells us that knowledge of our sin should help us strive to obey and to “pray for the grace of the Holy Spirit to be renewed more and more after God’s image.”
Q&A 116 follows with the question, “Why do Christians need to pray?” The answer: “Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness God requires of us.” The answer goes on to explain that it is through prayer that the Holy Spirit works to give grace to us for each day. The analysis of the Lord’s Prayer not only follows the basic pattern of catechisms of that era but is also one of the most beautiful sections of the HC. Each answer in this section (Q&A 120-128) can, with only a little tweaking, be used as a prayer, either personally or in public worship.
For example, if you begin with an opening like Dear God, answer 122 fills in the rest:
Help us to truly know you, to honor, glorify and praise you for all your works and for all that shines from them: your almighty power, wisdom, kindness, justice, mercy, and truth. And help us to direct all our living—what we think, say, and do—so that your name will never be blasphemed because of us, but always honored and praised.
Thus the exposition of the prayer not only helps us understand the meaning of each petition but gives us practical help in forming our prayers.
The HC ends as it began—with comfort. When we doubt our prayers are heard, the last Q&A reminds us “it is even more sure that God listens to my prayer, than that I really desire what I pray for.”
As we close out our thinking about the HC and move on to the Canons of Dort, I hope you have begun to see this document not just as theology, but as a helpful framework for life with the one true God who is our only comfort in life and death.