Podcast Summary: The Westminster Shorter Catechism with Sinclair Ferguson

Episode: Question & Answer 107
Date: March 2, 2026
Host: Ligonier Ministries

Episode Overview

This episode centers on Question 107 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism:
"What doth the conclusion of the Lord's Prayer teach us?"
The discussion explores the concluding doxology of the Lord’s Prayer (“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”), focusing on the spiritual discipline of prayer and how Christians are encouraged to draw their motivation and assurance in prayer from God Himself. The episode underscores the significance of ascribing praise to God and confidently affirming our prayers with “Amen.”

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Meaning of the Catechism’s Question & Answer (00:04)

• The catechism’s final question teaches Christians about the ultimate encouragement and assurance in prayer.
• Summary of catechism answer:
  The conclusion of the Lord's Prayer teaches us to take our encouragement in prayer from God only, and, in our prayers, to praise Him by ascribing the kingdom, power, and glory to Him. As a testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard, we say, ‘Amen.’

2. Encouragement in Prayer Comes from God

• Christians do not depend on their own worthiness or eloquence, but are encouraged to pray because of who God is—His sovereignty (“the kingdom”), omnipotence (“the power”), and majesty (“the glory”).

• The doxology shifts our focus from ourselves to God, reminding us that He is able and worthy to answer prayer.

  Notable quote:

  “The conclusion of the Lord's Prayer…teacheth us to take our encouragement in prayer from God only.”
  (Sinclair Ferguson, 00:04)

3. Prayer as Praise

• Every prayer should culminate in praise, not just petitions.
• Ascribing “kingdom, power, and glory” is not just a formula but an act of worship, acknowledging God’s ultimate authority and goodness.

4. Assurance and the Use of “Amen”

• Saying “Amen” at the end of prayer is more than a routine; it expresses confident trust that God hears and answers prayers according to His will.

• The word “Amen” serves as a testimony to both our desire to be heard and assurance that God listens.

  Notable quote:

  “…in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard, we say, Amen.”
  (Sinclair Ferguson, 00:04)

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On the foundation of prayer:
  “We take our encouragement in prayer from God only…”
  (Sinclair Ferguson, 00:04)

• On praise as the end of prayer:
  “...in our prayers to praise him, ascribing kingdom, power and glory to Him.”
  (Sinclair Ferguson, 00:04)

• On assurance in prayer:
  “…in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard, we say, Amen.”
  (Sinclair Ferguson, 00:04)

Timestamps

• 00:04 — Introduction of Question & Answer 107 and full catechism reading
• 00:04–end — Sinclair Ferguson’s explanation of the catechism’s answer, focusing on encouragement, praise, and assurance in prayer

Takeaways

• The doxology at the end of the Lord’s Prayer is not just a closing; it is a profound declaration of who God is and why we can pray with confidence.
• Prayer should end with both praise and assurance, encapsulated in the word “Amen.”
• The episode encourages listeners to help others savor not just the basics ("milk") but also the deeper truths (“solid food”) of Scripture, starting with foundational doctrines like God’s nature as praised in the Lord’s Prayer.

This concise but rich episode is ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Lord’s Prayer’s conclusion and its transformative role in the daily spiritual life of believers, families, and congregations.