Jesus taught us to pray beginning with, “Our Father … “. God is our Father, together. Yes, He is my Father, but our identity is one of family. In thinking on this I started looking and I cannot find an example in the text that God is referred to as my Father, except by Jesus. He is referred to as your Father, but the you is plural.
In calling God my Father, I have a special relationship with Him as His daughter. But it should also remind me of the special relationship I have with you as well. He is your Father, too. We belong together to the same family and so are connected.
Jesus’ instruction is a good reminder to me to address Him as our Father when I pray. Actually, the entire prayer is congregational and not individual. Maybe He is pointing me to consider our unity together, our oneness, as I address Him. Or maybe it will help me more easily consider the Kingdom and not just my own personal want list. He knows I need to put things in perspective.
Thank you, Lord, for teaching us to pray and reminding us we are part of Your family.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Matthew 6:9-13
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