Our Father

Who Art In Heaven...

Wait, OUR Father...

that means lots of us. If the passage was "My Father" us American wouldn't blink at it. Right in the midst of Jesus' teaching on how we should pray is a reminder that OUR faith is not primarily about us. OUR faith is meant for community and in it's most basic sense. "It is not good for man to be alone" says Genesis 2:18. When we pray, even alone, and if we use the Lord's prayer as any kind of guide, we should be reminded instantly that it's not all about us, that we are not alone, and that there millions of brothers and sisters in the faith worldwide with whom we are communing.

In fact, it is not just the church we are reminded of. For we were ALL created in God's image and continue to image bearers, though damaged and broken. So in one sense God is father to us all. Therefore in prayer we are reminded of those children, those prodigals, who are estranged from their father, and we are led to compassion and prayer on their behalf.

Our father, thank you that this is not meant to be done alone. Thank you for reminding us of this daily. Thanks for being our father, on whom we may cast all our anxieties, because you care for us. Thank you for sending your son, Jesus, that we may once again be in relationship with you. As your children, we can't help but want to please such a compassionate father.