I have found great comfort in coming back to the model prayer of Jesus these days — what is commonly called The Lord’s Prayer. My husband is currently thousands of miles away, deployed on a ship for half of this calendar year. And somehow, the words “our Father…give us…lead us…deliver us” have allowed me to feel as if I were praying these words with him and for him each day.
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
Matthew 6:9-13 KJV
This morning as I whispered these familiar words, I was reminded of something I read a number of years ago in Thomas Aquinas’ Compendium of Theology. He made a case for saying “our Father” and not simply “my Father” in the Lord’s Prayer.
I had to look it up to remind myself of the specifics, but reading his ideas again today blessed me. Not only did they give me a new appreciation for prayer, but they helped me to remember in this season when I feel so “alone,” that I am not! Perhaps you could use the same reminders today?
Firstly, “Our Father” reminds us that we are not loved alone.
The words “our Father” remind us of God’s great love. Certainly it is vital for me to know and believe that God loves me; but it’s also important to remember that God loves “the world” (John 3:16). As Aquinas wrote, “God’s love is not restricted to any individual, but embraces all in common.”
Secondly, “Our Father” reminds us that we do not pray alone.
Aquinas wrote, “We do not pour forth our prayers as individuals, but with unanimous accord we cry out, ‘Our Father.’”
Jesus talked about the importance of gathering and agreeing with others to pray in His name (Matthew 18:19-20). But during times when gathering isn’t possible, agreement can still happen.
Praying this way also helps us to see that we might have a role to play in answering the prayers of others. Of course, we place our hope in God’s help alone, but how often has He delivered an answer through the hands and feet of a fellow pray-er?
Thirdly, “Our Father” reminds us we are adopted as children of God through Christ alone.
There is a sense in which God is the Father of Christ alone; we are adopted as sons and daughters through Him. Jesus is the “only begotten” son of God (John 3:16). We are created beings, redeemed by His blood. As Paul told the church in Ephesus:
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.
Ephesians 1:5-7 NLT
I share these thoughts today to encourage others who may be feeling lonely or isolated…not to say that we can’t address our Father in heaven as “my Father.” Of course we can! He is my Father. He is your Father. That’s what makes Him our Father. But you may be in a season like I am where the simple words “our Father” can be a comfort, an antidote to the loneliness lurking at your heart’s door. As we whisper them in prayer, may they remind us:
- We are not loved alone.
- We do not pray alone.
- We are adopted through Christ alone.
Leave a Reply