Understanding Our Father

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to call God “Father”? In a world filled with distractions and varying perceptions of authority, approaching God in prayer can often feel daunting or even performative. Yet, the speaker at Knox Church this week reminded us of the deep intimacy and wonder behind simply addressing God as “Our Father in Heaven.” This message, rooted in Matthew 6:5-9, invites us to a heartfelt relationship with God that transcends ritual and performance.

As Jesus shared in the Sermon on the Mount, He cautioned against the display of ostentation in prayer. “And when you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites,” He taught. “They love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners, that they may be seen by others” (Matthew 6:5). Instead of seeking validation from others, Jesus implores us to engage in genuine dialogue with our Father, away from the eyes of the world. This underscores a beautiful truth: our prayers need not be elaborate or showy; they must come from the heart.

Reflecting on his relationship with prayer, the speaker pointed out how many of us struggle not with being too showy, but with simply praying at all. He shared that “if we don’t have much of a prayer life at all, it can tell us that we’re very self-sufficient… pretty confident in our own abilities.” This self-sufficiency can hinder our spiritual health, making us believe we can manage life on our own.

Perhaps some feel disillusioned or disappointed in their relationship with God, leading to a sense of distance in prayer. Jesus assured us, however, that “your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8). This profound understanding from our Father can profoundly influence how we approach Him. We don’t need to manipulate our prayers; we come to Him as beloved children, not beggars or orphans.

The speaker also recounted the touching story of Dr. Helen Roseveare, a missionary in Africa. In a moment of dire need, a young girl’s simple prayer led to a remarkable answer: a hot water bottle and a doll arrived—gifts sent five months earlier, illustrating how God orchestrates our prayers in ways we cannot grasp. This emphasizes that the essence of prayer lies in our relationship with God, not in the complexity of our words or ideas.

As we learn about prayer, Jesus invites us to see Him as our Father. He offers an invitation: “Our Father in Heaven.” This address is not about protocol but about relationship. John 1:12 declares, “But to all who received Him, He gave the right to become children of God.” The speaker reminded us that we can call God “Abba,” a term rich with intimacy and affection. By placing God in the role of our father, we gain access to His care and authority.

Lastly, the speaker urged us to recognize that the true reward of prayer is not in what we receive, but in knowing and communing with God. When we shift our focus from the gifts in God’s hands to Him, we deepen our relationship, finding comfort and strength in His presence.

As we ponder this teaching on prayer, let’s engage in reflection, considering our own prayer lives. Do we approach the Father with authenticity, or do we find ourselves caught in the trappings of performance? This week, let’s bring our hearts to God, embracing the privilege of calling Him Father in our prayers. Seek to foster an ongoing dialogue with Him that nurtures your spirit.

If you are looking for a community that values prayer and relationship with God, consider joining us at Knox Evangelical Church. Located in Old Strathcona just north of Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, we invite you to engage with us in worship and fellowship. Check out our Knox Event Calendar for updates on gatherings and opportunities to grow together. Your journey towards understanding and living out this relationship with God can start right here.