Week 1, Thursday: “Our Father in heaven” – Who is God as Father?
Scripture: “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven…’” (Matthew 6:9)
In the opening words of the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus invites us to address God as “Our Father in heaven.” This address is both profound and revolutionary, reshaping our understanding of who God is. Today, we are invited to contemplate what it truly means to call God “Father” and to reflect on the nature of this relationship.
To call God “Father” is to recognize His active, caring involvement in our lives. Unlike earthly fathers, who may fail or fall short, God’s fatherhood is marked by perfect love, wisdom, and faithfulness. In the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), Jesus paints a vivid picture of God as a Father who runs to meet His wayward child with open arms—without hesitation or condemnation. This image challenges us to reconsider any feelings of unworthiness or fear that might hinder our approach to God.
Moreover, when Jesus teaches us to pray “Our Father,” He is not only inviting us into an individual relationship but also into a shared family of faith. This communal aspect reminds us that our faith journey is not solitary. We are part of a larger body—the Church—called to support, forgive, and pray for one another. Recognizing God as “Our Father” compels us to see each other as brothers and sisters, breaking down barriers of division and isolation.
The phrase “in heaven” balances this intimacy with a sense of awe and reverence. God’s fatherly love does not diminish His majesty and sovereignty. Rather, it reassures us that the One who holds the universe also holds us. His perspective is eternal, His wisdom unsearchable. This heavenly nature of God’s fatherhood encourages us to trust Him fully, even when we cannot see the way forward.
As we journey through Lent, let us reflect on how we relate to God as Father. Are there areas where we struggle to trust His love and wisdom? Are there places where we resist His guidance or fail to embrace the fullness of being His children?
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways do you struggle to trust God as a loving Father?
- How can embracing the communal aspect of “Our Father” transform your relationships within the Church?
- What would it look like to live more confidently in the assurance of God’s fatherly care this Lent?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of being called Your children. Help us to trust Your love more fully and to live as part of Your family, extending grace and kindness to one another. As we continue this Lenten journey, deepen our understanding of Your fatherly care and teach us to rest in Your wisdom. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.