This may be the most used and abused of all prayers.  Jesus taught this prayer to His disciples when they asked how to pray.  We use this prayer in our worship services, in many church-related meetings and in our own private devotions.  How often do we “recite” this prayer without thinking of the words and their meaning?  I’m often guilty of this.

Paraphrased from Luther’s Small Catechism:

Our Father who are in heaven.  God invites us to believe that He is our true Father and we are His true children  so we may come to Him with boldness and confidence.  In the words “who art in heaven” He reminds us that He is Lord over all and able to do far more than we can even ask or think.  Read Gal. 3:26.

Hallowed be Thy name.  God’s name is holy.  We keep God’s name holy when the Word of God is taught in truth and purity and we lead a holy life according to His Word.  When we live a life other than God’s Word teaches, we dishonor the name of  God.  Read Matt. 5:16.

Thy Kingdom come.  Certainly God’s Kingdom of Grace and His Kingdom of Glory comes without our prayers.  Here we are asking Him to give us true faith and a godly life here on earth and forever in heaven, and to extend His Kingdom of Grace on earth (missions).  Read Mark 1:15 and Luke 12:32.

Think about these things as you pray the Lord’s Prayer and be grateful, remembering: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Helen

Posted on May 2, 2016 by our friend Helen.