The Lord’s Prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13 provides us with an excellent model on how we ought to pray. In the opening address, Jesus teaches us to pray saying, “Our Father which art in heaven.” This opening line is rich with meaning that provides a framework for our relationship with God and informs how we are to pray.
It Reminds Us of Our Adoption into God’s Family
When Jesus tells us to address God as “Our Father,” he is reminding us that through faith in Christ we have been adopted into God’s family (Romans 8:15-17, Galatians 4:4-7). We can approach Him as our perfect heavenly Father who loves us and cares for us as His own children. Starting our prayers recognizing our familial relationship grounds our prayers in God’s amazing grace that saved us and made us co-heirs with Christ.
It Highlights the Privilege of Access We Have
As adopted children of God, we have the incredible privilege of direct access into God’s presence. The author of Hebrews tells us to “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16). Jesus’ invitation to address God so intimately as “Our Father” highlights this privilege we have because of Christ. Through Him and by faith in Him we can come boldly and confidently before God’s throne of grace in prayer (Ephesians 3:12). What an amazing privilege!
It Emphasizes God’s Loving Care Over Us
In telling us to address God as our Father, Jesus emphasizes the loving care and provision of God for His children. 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to cast all of our cares upon God because He cares for us. A good father looks after the needs and cares of his children. How much more will our perfect Heavenly Father care for our every need. Starting our prayers addressing God as our father reminds us of His faithful care and love for us.
It Reminds Us to Revere and Honor Him
While we have amazing intimacy with God as our Father, Jesus’ prayer for us to address God as “Father which art in heaven” reminds us He is not just our buddy or pal. He is the almighty, holy, righteous God who reigns in heaven. As we come to Him in prayer, we must remember to revere and honor Him for Who He is. Hebrews 12:28-29 tells us that as children of God we are to “offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe.” And our prayers are very much acts of worship.
It Reflects Our Unity in Christ
By teaching us to pray “Our Father” Jesus highlights the unity we share as children of God. Though we are individuals, in Christ we are joined together in one family. Paul speaks of the “whole family in heaven and on earth” named after the Father (Ephesians 3:15). As we come to God in prayer, we come together as one family unified in Christ, the Son of God.
It Speaks to Our Equality Before God
Some people incorrectly use “Our Father” to argue that God is exclusively male. However, the passage is not making that point. By teaching us to address God in a communal sense as “Our Father,” Jesus is highlighting the equal standing we have before God regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, or social standing (Galatians 3:28). Young or old, men or women, slave or free – we are all equally able to approach God as our Father through faith in Christ.
It Emphasizes God’s Provision for Our Needs
What father would neglect to provide for the needs of his children? Our Heavenly Father cares much more for us than even the best earthly father could. When teaching about prayer, Jesus reminds us of God’s reliable provision saying, “Your Father knows that you need them” (Matthew 6:32). As we come to our Father in prayer, we can trust Him to provide what we truly need.
It Shows We Are Part of God’s Kingdom
The Lord’s Prayer continues in verse 10 saying, “Your kingdom come.” As adopted children of God, Jesus reminds us that we are citizens of God’s kingdom. Our primary allegiance should be to Him and His kingdom values. We show our citizenship in God’s kingdom by aligning our prayers to His purposes and will.
It Demonstrates God’s Paternity Over All People
While Scripture clearly teaches that only those who place their faith in Christ are adopted into God’s family, God is still presented as Creator of all humanity (Genesis 1:26-27, Job 12:10). There is a sense in which all people derive their life from God. As our prayers are meant to reflect God’s values, by praying “our Father” we are reminded to have a global vision that values all people as being created in God’s image.
It Highlights Our Dependence Upon God
As we pray to our Father asking Him to provide what we need each day (Matthew 6:11), we acknowledge our dependence on God. He is the giver of all good things (James 1:17). We rely on Him for our needs because we are creatures, not the Creator. Starting our prayers with “our Father” orients our heart in a posture of humility and dependence on Him.
It Teaches Us to Desire His Will Above Ours
Good fathers guide their children towards what is best for them, even when the child doesn’t understand. Our perfect Heavenly Father’s perfect will is absolutely what is best for our lives. As we come to our Father in prayer, addressing Him reminds us to submit our desires to His perfect will which we acknowledge by praying “Your will be done” (Matthew 6:10).
In summary, when Jesus instructs us to address God as “Our Father” in prayer, His words are rich with meaning about our relationship to God. This precious address given to us by Jesus Christ reminds us of the intimacy, privilege, care, dependence, and reverence we are to have towards our Heavenly Father as we come to Him in prayer. What an amazing gift to have this access to come before Him as His dearly loved children!