“Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. -Matthew 6:9
The Lord’s Prayer is found in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount. This sermon is one of the most significant collections of Jesus’ teachings. The sermon begins with a crowd gathering around Jesus and Matthew recording, “he went up on a mountainside and sat down.” (Matthew 5:1) While on that mountain, Jesus would share some of the most significant teachings of his ministry. I hope you will take time to read this teaching found in Matthew 5-7.
Reflected in the Sermon on the Mount is the closeness of God. As Jesus teaches, he assures the people that God is present. God is present in our worry. God is with us in our mourning. God is with us as we wrestle with everyday troubles. God draws close to us as we seek a greater understanding of our world and our God. God is with us. God is not far away. There is no greater comfort than to know we are not alone. No matter what.
The first line of The Lord’s Prayer points clearly to the closeness of God. When Jesus teaches us how to pray, he uses the word “Father.” The original word here is Abba. This Aramaic word is best translated as “Daddy.” It is a term of endearment and not used for an absent, distant person. Abba invokes the image of a child with hands outstretched to their daddy, ready to be picked up and cared for. Our Heavenly Father is with us.
When we pray, we are engaging in an intimate conversation with our Abba. Prayer strengthens our relationship with our creator. This time with God helps place our hearts, minds, and souls into the loving care of our Father in heaven. Our attention is turned towards God’s loving will. Prayer connects us to God. Time spent with our Heavenly Father is transformative, helping us learn to love, as God loves.
As we begin this new week, I want to encourage you to take time each day and say The Lord’s Prayer. Find a quiet place and focus on God. Say this prayer slowly, taking time to think about the words we have known for so long. Let us draw close to God and find a deeper connection to the One who is love.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
