“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.”
â€â€Matthew‬ â€6:9‬ â€
Martin Luther said “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” Yet, so often, we voice words mechanically and perfunctorily, and fail to grasp the meaning behind them. How often have you prayed, “Our Father who art in heaven…” and repeated a prayer by memory, out of ritual without even thinking of what you were saying?
When the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, teach us to pray,” Jesus began by saying, “Our Father!” Of all the terms which Jesus could have used–Almighty God, or Great Creator, or Oh Thou, Maker of heaven and earth, He chose simply to use the word Father. But what an interesting word–a word that is warm, intimate and personal.
We all long to walk in freedom, to make our lives count, to experience forgiveness, and to feel the unshakable love of a Father - a compassionate Father who cares for the needs and concerns for His children. This is the relationship we are invited into. The intimacy of our Father is coupled with the reality that God is Holy. He is our Creator, and He is the source of life. We are invited to live within the care of His kindness and the reverence of His splendor.
The journey ahead is for us to be recreated and redeemed under the rule of His love and formed into His image. God created us to imitate His way and to reflect His character in every aspect of our lives. This reconciled relationship with God should influence how we work, lead others, and pursue relationships. It should rearrange our priorities and pursuits. God has redeemed us as His children in order to renew us into His image. To reflect God's heart, we need to know God's heart.
As we worship Him in reverence and awe, we draw close to Him in love and comfort to let Him transform us from the inside out. As you read this Scripture, let it soak into your heart and begin to talk to God honestly and openly. He created you, loves you, and wants to hear from you. What positive attributes define a good father to you? Spend some time in today thanking God for one specific way He has been a loving Father to you.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for being a loving Father, one who cares about my well-being and heart. I can approach you with confidence, knowing You'll meet me with unconditional love and incomparable grace. I am unworthy of this affection, but because You are holy and worthy, You made a way to experience freedom and a relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
