THIN SPACE
This week in Prayer Hour we’re checking out the world’s most famous prayer.
“Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.”
(Luke 11:2-4)
Father
Jesus mentioned God was his father over 150 times and that he was our Father 30 times!
For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
In the Old Testament - God was known and referred to as the Father of Israel and also more broadly Father of all men - Creator God.
Father implies male characteristics but he is far more than that. Catholic Catechism - He is neither man or woman he is God!
Also, God is often described with many motherly characteristics as well. -- Isaiah 42:14, 49:14, 66:12, Matthew 23:37
Our Father becomes personal to us in the New Testament through Jesus Christ the only true Son of God.
Ephesians 2:17 - MSG - Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders and peace to us insiders. He treated us as equals, and so made us equals. Through him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father.
God can become familiar & close. Jesus often called him ABBA - Daddy. And says we can call him that also. New Intimacy - New Trust.
Our Father knows us deeply - every visible and hidden detail.
Through Jesus’s death and resurrection we receive the underserved title of brothers and sisters of Christ. We were separated from God by our sinful ways but through Jesus's sacrifice we're given a way back! And the Father waits for us with open arms. - Luke 15:11-32
We are adopted by the Father into his eternal family, and therefore citizens of heaven. Galatians 4:4-7
Let us worship our Father as we pray this morning.
Pray
Spend the next few minutes building relationship.
Spend the next few minutes building dependence on God
(And while you’re at it, ask for an end of, a vaccine for, and a healing from Covid-19!)