TWL - Teach us to Pray - S7E3

Teach Us to Pray: Understanding Our Privilege In this session of "Teach Us to Pray," we delve into the profound privilege of addressing God as "Our Father." This concept is rooted deeply in the Lord's Prayer, as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, and is a cornerstone of Christian prayer.

The Lord's Prayer: A Starting Point The disciples of Jesus, despite their lifelong learning, sought His guidance on prayer because they recognized the transformative power of His prayers. Jesus responded by pointing them to the Lord's Prayer, specifically highlighting Matthew 6:9: "This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven...'"

The Universal Fatherhood of God: A Misconception In today's globalized world, there is a prevalent notion that all religions are simply different paths leading to the same divine summit. This idea, often illustrated by the mountain analogy, suggests that God is the Father of all humanity, much like Henry Ford is the father of the Model T. However, this view conflicts with the teachings of the Bible.

Biblical Clarification Ephesians 2:3 clarifies that by nature, we are "children of wrath" due to sin, not naturally children of God. John 1:12-13 further explains that only those who receive and believe in Jesus are given the right to become children of God, emphasizing a spiritual rebirth "not of natural descent, nor of human decision, but born of God." The Doctrine of Redemption The privilege of calling God "Father" is not based on creation but on redemption. It is through faith in Jesus Christ's sacrificial work that we are forgiven and adopted into God's family. This transformation is a spiritual rebirth, a core tenet of Christian faith.

Prayer as a Celebration of Divine Love When we begin our prayers with "Our Father," it is not a mere formality but a profound acknowledgment of the love that God has lavished upon us. 1 John 3:1 encapsulates this beautifully: "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are."

The Impact of Addressing God as "Father" Identity: Recognizing ourselves as God's children shapes our identity and our prayers. Love: It reminds us of the immense love we receive from God. Responsibility: As children of God, we carry the responsibility of living in a way that reflects our divine heritage. Conclusion The opening words of the Lord's Prayer, "Our Father," are not just the beginning of our petitions but are central to our understanding of prayer. It is a reminder of the grace that allows us to be part of God's family. This truth should permeate every prayer we offer, grounding us in humility and gratitude.

In embracing this understanding, we align ourselves with God's will, making our prayers not just requests but expressions of our identity as His children. This is indeed truth worth living, guiding us to a deeper, more effective prayer life.