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190. Who does the Christian call on in prayer?

Our heavenly Father.

  1. There are two thoughts in the name, “Father”: We are called to having the greatest reverence and the greatest trust.

    When we pray, we should always remember that it is an inexpressibly great miracle that we, the unholy and the poor, are allowed to come before Him – the Holy and Almighty One. Whoever says, “Father!” acknowledges the immeasurable distance between themselves and God. Whoever denies this reverence – his prayers are nothing but insolent intrusiveness.

    The Father’s name arouses the greatest trust in those who pray. That is why we may entrust body and soul to His care and protection, knowing that we will never lack anything good.
    • Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord. (Genesis 18:27)
    • Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
    • When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. (Matthew 6:7)
    • As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. (Psalm 103:13)
    • You, O LORD, are our Father; our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name. (Isaiah 63:16)
  2. That we may call on God as our Father is not a natural right, but a great miracle of His mercy.
    • Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. (Ephesians 1:5)
  3. Christ does not teach us to pray “My Father!”, but “Our Father!” We do not stand alone before God, but share our rights as children with all who partake of the same grace in Jesus Christ.
    • For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. (Ephesians 3:14-15)