Our Father in Heaven

1/23/2024

"Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
- Matthew 6:9-13 ESV

In this verse, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. This passage, often referred to as the Lord's Prayer, encompasses the fundamental aspects of our relationship with God. It not only serves as a model for prayer but also reveals deep truths about our Heavenly Father and His desire for us.

First, Jesus begins by addressing God as "Our Father in heaven." This simple yet profound statement reminds us of the intimate and personal relationship we have with our Creator. We can approach Him as our loving Father, who cares for us deeply and desires the best for our lives. It reflects the truth that we are His children, and we can come before Him with confidence, knowing that He will listen to our prayers.

Next, Jesus emphasizes the holiness and sanctity of God's name. He says, "hallowed be your name." This phrase reminds us to revere and honor God's name above all else. It prompts us to acknowledge His greatness, His worthiness, and His sovereignty. Through our prayers, we can express our awe and adoration for His holy name.

Jesus further teaches us to pray for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. This request aligns our hearts with God's purposes and reminds us that His kingdom should be our ultimate focus. We are called to seek His righteousness and advance His kingdom by living according to His will. As we pray for His kingdom to come, we are surrendering our own agendas and asking God to establish His reign in our lives and in the world around us.

The Lord's Prayer also highlights our dependence on God for our daily provision. We are encouraged to ask for our daily bread, acknowledging that all we have comes from Him. This request reminds us to trust in God's faithfulness and provision, knowing that He will meet our needs. It also teaches us humility and contentment, recognizing that our sustenance ultimately comes from Him.

Furthermore, Jesus instructs us to seek forgiveness for our sins and to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us. The act of forgiving others is vital for our spiritual well-being. When we forgive, we reflect the forgiveness we have received from God. It frees us from the burden of bitterness and resentment, allowing us to experience true peace and reconciliation.

Finally, Jesus teaches us to pray for God's guidance and protection. We are to ask Him to lead us away from temptation and deliver us from evil. This request acknowledges our vulnerability to sin and our need for God's strength to resist temptation. It demonstrates our reliance on His guidance to navigate the challenges and trials of life.

As we meditate on the Lord's Prayer, let us remember that it is not merely a formula or a set of words to repeat, but a guide to shape our conversations with God. It teaches us to approach Him as our loving Father, to honor His name, to seek His kingdom, to trust in His provision, to seek forgiveness and extend it to others, and to rely on His guidance and protection. May we find comfort, guidance, and deepening intimacy with our Heavenly Father as we offer these words from the depths of our hearts.

Pastor Jeff

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