Grace and Peace Episode 58

Rev. Jeffrey T. Howard
Grace and Peace Episode 58
Presbyterian Church of Easton
November 7, 2021

Watch Episode 58

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2

Heidelberg Catechism

120 Q. Why did Christ command us to call God “our Father”?

A. To awaken in us at the very beginning of our prayer what should be basic to our prayer—
a childlike reverence and trust that through Christ God has become our Father, and that just as our parents do not refuse us the things of this life, even less will God our Father refuse to give us
what we ask in faith.

121 Q. Why the words “in heaven”?

A. These words teach us not to think of God’s heavenly majesty as something earthly, and to expect everything needed for body and soul from God’s almighty power

122 Q. What does the first petition mean?

A. “Hallowed be your name” means: Help us to truly know you, to honor, glorify, and praise you

for all your works and for all that shines forth from them: your almighty power, wisdom, kindness, justice, mercy, and truth.  And it means,  Help us to direct all our living—what we think, say, and do—so that your name will never be blasphemed because of us but always honored and praised.

Matthew 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray:  Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

What makes us think that we can reach out and talk with the creator of the universe?  How could our thoughts ever be his thoughts?  Why would he ever want to talk with us at all?

We are able to talk with God and even call him “Our Father” because Jesus told us that it is OK.  We can come before the creator of the world and call him by the familiar, “daddy”.   

    According to N.T. Wright, the words “Our Father in heaven” are both where we start the Lord’s prayer and where we want to end up.  We want to be close to this Father, and so we reach out to him in prayer.  We hope to hear his voice respond in conversation.   Through the Holy Spirit we experience God’s love and in prayer we hug our God in gratitude.   God knows us and calls us by name.  And we trust Jesus when he says that God knows what we need and will provide it.   Let’s pray.

    Our Father in heaven, we thank you for listening to our prayers.   We thank you for knowing us and blessing us with what we need.   We long for the day when we will be with you in heaven.   This we pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.