Prayer

Good Morning, My Friend!! The Lord’s Prayer is one that most of us have learned from a young age. Unfortunately, when something,...even a prayer, is so frequently recited we just stop thinking of its true meaning. It has become so familiar that when we repeat it, we no longer pause to consider what we are acknowledging, requesting, and agreeing to. The opening words "Our Father" can trigger this auto-pilot so that we miss the blessing represented in calling God “Father,”...we're acknowledging that through Christ we have been given a direct and intimate relationship with God.

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. "This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,—Matthew 6:7, 9 (NIV)

Jesus taught us to begin this way to show that it does not take fancy speech or big words to get God's attention. Rather, God loves us as children and therefore we have the opportunity to call upon God as a child calling upon a parent. We can call upon God in times of joy, sorrow, need, or gratitude. Because of Christ we are not restricted by a small group of religious leaders or laws and regulations; instead, through Jesus we obtain the freedom to relate to God in such a personal and loving way.

When we say the words; "Our Father," let them awaken your heart to joy for this intimate relationship.
Thank you, Lord, that you love us enough to let us call you Father. We acknowledge that this is yet another way in which we are blessed to know You and we want to express our gratitude for it. Amen.

"God’s presence brings great comfort."