Addressing God as "Our Father in Heaven"
Text: Luke 11:1-13
10 December 2000
When we were children, we were probably taught to say, “Dear Lord Jesus…” as we begin our prayer. Were we taught correctly?
The overwhelming evidence in the Scriptures point out that when we address our prayers, we should address them to God, our Heavenly Father. This is something the Lord Jesus Himself taught. This is something that the Spirit of God would have us learn as well (Rom. 8:13).
When do we use the Name of the Lord Jesus? The Name of the Lord Jesus is both precious and powerful. He is our Mediator (1 Tim.2:5). We are taught to plead in His Name (John 13:14). He is our great High Priest (Heb. 9:11-15).
We should treasure this privilege to call God “Father”
We must never take for granted this privilege of being able to call upon God as our Father in Heaven. It took the death of the Lord Jesus Christ to make this possible. The old, familiar verse in John 1:12 comes to mind. “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His Name”.
Let’s take a quick look at how this word, “father” was used.
- It was one of the favourite terms of the Apostle Paul. He used the Father’s Name in his opening remarks in his epistles.
Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…
Philippians 1:2
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort…
2 Corinthians 1:3
- The Apostle Peter also spoke of God the Father with great honour and love.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope…
1 Peter 1:3
- The Apostle John wrote of the Lord Jesus as “our advocate with the Father” 1 John 2:1
Deep theological implications attached to the word “Father”
There are many deep, theological implications attached to the use of the word “Father.” It is more than a term of address. Let us consider some of these implications:-
- We show that we truly understand and appreciate the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ gave His life for us that we may enter into this privileged relationship of being able to call God “Father”.
- We show that we have learned from the Spirit of God His efforts at teaching us how to address God as “Father” (Rom. 8:15).
It is the wish of the Lord Jesus that we should address our prayers to God our Father in Heaven (Matt. 6:9; Luke 11:2). In all His prayers, He addressed God as “Father.” To be able to call God, “Father” in the same way as the Lord Jesus is truly astounding!
There are many more implications, but let this short exhortation suffice. Let us learn how to come to God as our Heavenly Father. Let’s learn to pray correctly.