By Thomas Watson
The Lord’s Prayer
By Thomas Watson
Thomas Watson’s Background:
Thomas Watson (1620-1686) was a Puritan preacher and author, born around 1620 in Yorkshire. His educational journey began at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he earned both a Bachelor’s (1639) and Master’s degree (1642).
Watson’s Multifaceted Knowledge:
Known for his intellectual prowess, Watson’s writings showcased a profound grasp of the English language, proficiency in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, and a broad knowledge base encompassing history, botany, medicine, physics, classics, logic, and various trades.
Watson’s Ministry in St. Stephen’s, Walbrook:
In 1646, Thomas Watson became the lecturer at St. Stephen’s, Walbrook, London, serving for about ten years. His ministry, characterized by instructive and spiritual teachings, earned him great popularity.
Watson’s Imprisonment and Release:
During the Civil War, Watson, a Presbyterian, opposed Charles I’s execution and was imprisoned in 1651 for his role in a plot to restore the monarchy. Unlike some colleagues, Watson was released after petitioning for mercy.
Watson’s Post-Ejection Period:
Ejected from his pastorate in 1662 due to the Act of Uniformity, Watson continued preaching privately. After the Great Fire of London in 1666, he opened a room for public worship.
Watson’s Legacy:
Thomas Watson’s legacy endures through his profound, heart-searching exposition of the Scriptures. His works, several republished by the Trust, continue to be a blessing for those who seek sound theological teachings.
About Thomas Watson: Taken from the banner of truth:
Thomas Watson ( 1620-1686), the Puritan preacher and author, was probably born in Yorkshire, although the exact place and date of his birth are unknown. He studied at Emmanuel College, Cambridge (BA, 1639; MA, 1642), where he was apparently a diligent student. Certainly his intellect is apparent in his writings, which show a profound grasp of the English language, as well as a solid understanding of Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. He quotes from the early church fathers, and his familiarity with the breadth of the scriptural canon is stunning. Cross-references from the entire biblical corpus are sprinkled throughout his sermons, revealing a deep understanding of many texts obscure to most modern day Bible students. A solid understanding of history, botany, medicine, physics, the classics, logic, and various trades are revealed in his sermons.
After living for a time with the Puritan family of Lady Mary Vere, the widow of Sir Horace Vere, Baron of Tilbury, in 1646 Watson went to St. Stephen’s, Walbrook, London, where he served as lecturer for about ten years, and then as rector for another six years. In about 1647, he married Abigail Beadle, daughter of John Beadle, an Essex minister of Puritan convictions. They had at least seven children in the next thirteen years, four of whom died young.
During the Civil War, Watson began expressing his strong Presbyterian views. He had sympathy for the king, however. He was one of the Presbyterian ministers who went to Oliver Cromwell to protest the execution of Charles I. Along with Christopher Love, William Jenkyn, and others, he was imprisoned in 1651 for his part in a plot to restore the monarchy. Although Love was beheaded, Watson and the others were released after petitioning for mercy.
Watson was formally reinstated to his pastorate in Walbrook in 1652. C. H. Spurgeon says of him:
he executed for nearly sixteen years the office of a faithful pastor with great diligence and assiduity. Happy were the citizens who regularly attended so instructive and spiritual a ministry. The church was constantly filled, for the fame and popularity of the preacher were deservedly great. Going in and out among his flock, fired with holy zeal for their eternal welfare, his years rolled on pleasantly enough amid the growing respect of all who knew him.
With the Act of Uniformity in 1662, Watson was ejected from his pastorate. He continued to preach in private whenever he had the opportunity. In 1666, after the Great Fire of London, Watson prepared a large room for public worship, welcoming anyone who wished to attend. After the Declaration of Indulgence took effect in 1672, Watson obtained a license for Crosby Hall, Bishopsgate, which belonged to Sir John Langham, a patron of nonconformists. Watson preached there for three years before Stephen Charnock joined him. They ministered together until Charnock’s death in 1680.
Watson kept working until his health failed. He then retired to Barnston, in Essex, where he died suddenly in 1686 while engaged in private prayer. He is buried in the same grave as his father-in-law who served as a minister at Barnston. Watson’s works – several of which have been republished by the Trust – are a legacy that have continued to be a blessing to those who love sound, heart-searching exposition of the Scriptures.
The Lord’s Prayer in the King James Version:
Places in the bible: Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4
Matthew 6:8-13:
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Luke 11: 2-4
11 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
About the book: The Lord’s Prayer:
Thomas Watson’s book on “The Lord’s Prayer” is a timeless exploration and exposition of one of Christianity’s most sacred and widely recited prayers. In this profound work, Watson delves into the significance and depth of each phrase of the Lord’s Prayer, providing readers with rich insights and practical applications for their spiritual lives.
The book begins with an examination of the prayer’s introduction, “Our Father who art in heaven,” and proceeds to unravel the meaning and implications of each subsequent petition. Watson’s writing is characterized by a deep theological understanding, clear exposition, and a pastoral heart, making the complexities of the prayer accessible to readers of various backgrounds.
Throughout the book, Watson draws from his extensive knowledge of Scripture, incorporating references to biblical passages and insights from theological traditions. He not only explains the theological concepts embedded in the Lord’s Prayer but also provides practical guidance on how believers can apply these teachings to their daily lives.
Watson’s exploration extends beyond mere analysis; it serves as a spiritual guide, encouraging readers to engage in heartfelt reflection, meditation, and prayer. The timeless wisdom found in “The Lord’s Prayer” by Thomas Watson continues to resonate with those seeking a deeper understanding of this foundational Christian prayer and a more profound connection with their faith.
CONTENTS:
The Preface to the Lord’s Prayer.
The First Petition in the Lord’s Prayer.
The Second Petition in the Lord’s Prayer.
The Third Petition in the Lord’s Prayer.
The Fourth Petition in the Lord’s Prayer.
The Fifth Petition in the Lord’s Prayer.
The Sixth Petition in the Lord’s Prayer.
Indexes.
Index of Scripture References
Latin Words and Phrases
The book contains 304 pages
First published as part of A Body of Practical Divinity, 1692
Looking for a Hardcover or Paperback?
For those who want to have a hardcover or a paperback of this book, I want to suggest you to look here (paperback) or here (hardcover).