Finding Freedom: The Lord’s PrayerSample

Our Father in Heaven

Have you ever felt unsure about how to pray? You're not alone. Even Jesus' closest followers struggled with this very question. Like us, they wanted to understand how to connect with God through prayer.

The disciples watched Jesus pray regularly. They saw His intimate relationship with the Father and wanted to experience that same connection. So they asked Him, "Lord, teach us to pray." (Luke 11:1)

Jesus' response wasn't complicated. He gave them, and us, a beautiful model of prayer that begins with these powerful words:

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." (Matthew 6:9)

These words reveal two incredible truths about God. First, He is our Father. Through Jesus, we've been adopted into God's family. The Creator of the universe invites us to call Him "Father" - what an extraordinary privilege! This speaks to His desire for closeness and relationship with us.

Second, He is "in heaven." While He is personally close to us as Father, He is also holy and transcendent. He's not just a casual friend or an equal. He is the sovereign God who rules from heaven. This calls for our deepest reverence and worship.

Finding this balance in prayer, between intimate relationship and holy reverence, transforms how we approach God. We can come boldly because we're His children, yet humbly because He is the holy God of all creation.

Reflect:

• How does seeing God as both Father and Holy King change your approach to prayer?
• Take a moment to thank God for adopting you into His family through Jesus.
• Ask Him to help you grow in both intimacy and reverence as you pray.