Our Father in Heaven

Matthew 6:9

“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.” NKJV

In this passage Jesus is teaching in the manner or model that we should pray but also in the heart, mind and attitude we should be praying with.  We know this because of what he shares with them in the prior verses.  He tells them not to pray to be seen by others but to go in the closet and pray to their father in secret. 

Notice Jesus starts out His prayer by saying, “Our Father in heaven”.  His first lesson is teaching them to pray as a son or daughter to their heavenly father.  He is teaching us that our faith is not about religion for tradition sake it’s about personal relationship between God and us.  It’s an intimate and personal relationship that is near and dear to the heart; not far away and distant, but close up and personal.    

So often we can view God as being so far away, so beyond our grasp that we never try to enter into an intimate relationship or feel we can have an intimate relationship with Him.  Sometimes our worst sin is unbelief.  Christ death and resurrection bridged that gap for us who believe and now we have access to our Heavenly Father anytime anywhere. 

Hebrews 4:15-16 “ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,  that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. NKJV

If even Jesus needed time alone with God to pray for strength and encouragement how much more do we need Him?  I encourage you to get into your secret place and talk to your Heavenly Father and believe by faith He can hear and see you as His son or daughter and watch your personal relationship with God blossom.  

Matthew 7:7-9 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  NKJV 

Revelation 3:20-21 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” NKJV

Filoiann Wiedenhoff