Which Art in Heaven

1. The meaning.

Question. How may God be said to be in heaven, seeing he is infinite, and therefore must needs be every where (1 Kings 8:27)? The heavens of heavens are not able to contain him. Answer. 1. God is said to be in heaven, because his majesty, that is, his power, wisdom, justice, mercy, is made manifest from there to us (Psalm 115:3). Our God is in heaven and does whatever he will. He that dwells in heaven shall laugh them to scorn, and the Lord shall have them in derision (Psalm 2:4). Esay says (66:2), "Thus says the Lord: Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool." 2. After this life, he will manifest the fullness of his glory there, to his Angels and Saints.

2. The use.

1. Hereby first we learn that Romish pilgrimages, whereby men went from place to place to worship God, are vain and foolish. The God to whom we must pray is in heaven: now let men travel to what place or country they will, they shall not come the nearer to heaven or nearer to God by traveling; seeing the earth is in every part alike distant from heaven.

2. Secondly, this overthrows popish idolatry, as worshipping of crosses, crucifixes, roods, &c. to put us in mind of God and Christ. We are taught to lift up our eyes to heaven; seeing God is there: and how can we do this, as long as our minds and eyes are poring upon an image made by man's art?

5. Again, we are here admonished to use the action of prayer with as great reverence as possible may be. Well reasons Solomon (Ecclesiastes 5:1): "Be not rash with your mouth to speak a word before God. Why? He is in heaven, you are in earth: therefore let your words be few." This reverence must appear in holiness of mind and affection and in all comeliness of gesture. And for this cause, all wandering by-thoughts and all vain babbling is to be avoided. But how goes the case with us, that on the times appointed come to the assemblies to pray? Many, by reason of their blindness, pray without understanding. Many, when they are present at prayer, yet have their hearts occupied about other matters, about their goods and worldly business: such men have no joy or gladness in praying; it is a burden to them. Many come to the assembly for custom only, or for fear of punishment; if they might be left free, they could find in their hearts not to pray at all. But let all such men know, that this manner of praying is a very grievous sin; no, greater than mocking of father or mother, killing or stealing; for it is directly against God, the other against men. This sin, because it is against the first Table, and therefore more hard to be discerned, it is lightly esteemed, and it less troubles the consciences of ignorant men: yet as it is indeed, so it is to be esteemed as a disgrace and plain mockery of God's majesty. Therefore, seeing God is in heaven, away with all drowsy and dead praying, let us come with reverence in our hearts before the Lord.

4. Again we are here to consider, that our hearts in prayer must mount up into heaven, and there be present with the Lord (Psalm 25:1). To you O Lord lift I up my soul. The little child is never well, but when it is in the father's lap, or under the father's wing: and the children of God are never in better case, then when in affection and spirit, they can come into the presence of their heavenly Father, and by prayer, as it were, to creep into his bosom.

5. Lastly, this preface shows, that God is all sufficient, as in all other things, so in granting our requests: God is willing to hear our prayers, in that he is our Father, and able to perform them, because he is in heaven and therefore almighty.