From Discipleship Weekly

(a publication of the Presbyterian Church of Islip)

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A Word from Our Sponsor . . .when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut the door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. -- Matthew 6:6 The Heidelberg Catechism: Part 3 - Thankfulness Week 46: Our Lord's Prayer 120. Q. Why has Christ commanded us to address God: "Our Father"? A. That at the very beginning of our prayer he may awaken in us the childlike reverence and trust toward God which should be the motivation of our prayer, which is that God has become our Father through Christ and will much less deny us what we ask him in faith than our fathers will refuse us earthly things. [Matt. 7:9-11; Luke 11:11-13] 121. Q. Why is there added: "who art in heaven"? A. That we may have no earthly conception of the heavenly majesty of God, but that we may expect from his almighty power all things that are needed for body and soul. ] [Jer. 23:23-24; Matt. 6:25-34; Rom. 8:31-32; Acts 17:24-25] Suggestions for discussion and review: 1. How is God like both of our earthly parents? How is he even better? 2. Explain how the words willing and able apply to the phrase, "Our Father who art in heaven." 3. Read Luke 22:39-44, II Corinthians 12:7-10, and Romans 8:28. What do these passages say to the person who prays for a loved one to be healed, and the healing never comes? * * * * * * * * * * To say to God 'Our Father' Is wondering gratitude, Is ardent venturing awe, Is humble penitence, Is reverential praise, Is endless fellowship, Is all-consuming love To say 'our Father' Truly, is To pray. -- Jane Hess Marchant