Introduction
We begin the Lord’s Prayer by calling upon God as our Father. In doing this we confess that God in Baptism has made us His children, given us His name and promised to do great things for us. After making this confession we will desire to serve and obey Him and in this way honor the name of our Heavenly Father.
The Introduction
Our Father, Who art in heaven.
What does this mean?
God hereby tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father, and that we are HIs true children, so that we may ask Him with all boldness and confidence, as children ask their dear father.
- Why does Jesus teach us to call God our “Father”?
Jesus teaches us to call God our Father because He wants us to know Him as our loving Father and to pray to Him without fear or doubt.
- Who alone can truly call God their Father?
Only those can truly call God their Father who have become His children by faith in Jesus.
- Why does Jesus teach us to say “our Father”?
Jesus teaches us to say “our Father” because He wants His children to pray for and with one another.
Bible Example: The Christians at Jerusalem prayed together.
- Why does Jesus teach us to say, “Who art in heaven”?
Jesus teaches us to say “Who art in heaven” to remind us that our dear Father is the almighty God, who is not only willing, but also able to help us. (See Question 271.)
The First Petition
Hallowed be Thy name.
What does this mean?
God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be holy among us also.
How is God’s name hallowed?
God’s name is kept holy when His Word is taught in its truth and purity, and we as children of God live holy lives according to it. This grant us, dear Father in heaven! But he who teaches and lives otherwise than the Word of God teaches, dishonors God’s name among us. From this preserve us, heavenly Father!
- What does the “name” of God mean?
The name of God means God Himself, as He has made Himself known to us through His Word and works. (See Chapter 4, Introduction.) - For what do we pray in the First Petition?
In the First Petition we pray that our heavenly Father would grant us the grace to honor His name by pure teaching and holy living.
- How is God’s name dishonored?
God’s name is dishonored by false teachign and ungodly living. (See Question 242.)
Conclusion
Since we Christians look upon God as our dear Father and closes Friend, we should want to talk to Him regularly in prayer. And the first and foremost thing we can ask of Him is that His Word be preserved in its purity and that we as His children lead truly godly lives.
Hymn
Our Father, Thou in heav’n above,
Who biddest us to dwell in love
As brethren of one family
And cry for all we need to Thee;
Teach us to mean the words we say,
And from the inmost heart to pray.
All hallowed be Thy name, O Lord!
O let us firmly keep Thy word,
And lead, according to Thy name,
A holy life, untouched by blame;
Let no false teachings do us hurt;
All poor deluded souls convert. (ELH 383:1, 2)
Bible Readings
At home:
In class: