Our Father

In Luke 11:1, one of the disciples asked Jesus for instructions on how to pray.

In verse 2, Jesus said, “When ye pray, say, Our Father…”

I know I have taken for granted the simplicity and yet the profound message that Jesus is communicating in this brief two-word address at the beginning of The Lord’s Prayer, sometimes referred to as the “Our Father.”

Father is a personal word.

It connotes family as opposed to faith or tradition.

The Greek word in this passage is pater, and it means life-giver or one who brings into being, but the connotations of the word are vast.

When I hear the word “father,” I think instantly of my family.

I feel safe.

The word is intimate.

It suggests to us that God is not distant.

God is not impersonal.

God is very near and very personal.

I had a great dad.

He has dementia now, but growing up, he was present and caring.

He took time off to spend with his family on holidays.

He took us to the beach for a week each summer.

Once when I was quite ill, I wasn’t able to go to school.

I was lying in bed for what seemed ages.

I worried that my illness might cause financial hardship on the family, and I expressed those concerns to my dad.

He said, “As long as you are under my roof, you will never have to worry about money. I will provide for you.”

I knew he meant it, and his words calmed my fears.

I am fortunate in that I knew what a good father was.

My earthy dad gave me an excellent example of what the word “father” means.

Our Father will provide.

Our Father cares for our needs.

Our Father will never leave us or forsake us.

All this and more Jesus communicated about God when He said, “When ye pray, say, Our Father…”

Have you called on your Father today?

He is waiting to hear from you.

Much love,

David Dellman