The Spirit of PrayerSample

Our Father in heaven

FATHER

The Lord’s prayer begins with a statement, “Our Father in heaven.” It is a beautiful declaration of community, a declaration of family. It says, “our Father” not “my Father.” As we begin our prayer time, we need to remember we don’t pray as an individual but as someone who is part of the family of God.

When we give our life to Christ we become “children of God,” (Galatians 3:26, Romans 8:14, Galatians 4:7, John 1:12) and as we talk to our Father, we recognise that we are his children. Not as an only child, but instead we are part of the family of God. When we pray, we need to remember that we are surrounded by the family of God on earth and in heaven (Hebrews 12:1). When we pray, we come in the strength of that family.

As we begin our prayers from the position of a child of God in the family of God, we come with acceptance- knowing we are loved, and secure- knowing that we are his children and he is our Father. He created us, called us by name, he will walk with us through the rivers, the fire, we will not be harmed (Isaiah 43). He is a good Father, and he gives good gifts! (Matthew 7:11).

Our Father is not an earthly father, but a heavenly one. He is a close and loving Father and we are adopted into his family so we can cry “Abba, Father,” (Romans 8:14-17). He is all-powerful Father God! Nothing is impossible for God (Matthew 19:26), his power is abundant (Psalm 147:5), he made the heavens and the earth (Jeremiah 32:17), and is seated in heavenly places high above all powers and principalities (Revelation 4:2). He is the everlasting Father (Isaiah (9:6), Mighty God. That is to whom we pray.

Prayer Point: Father, I thank you that through your son, Jesus Christ, I have been adopted into the family of God. I thank you that I can call you Father and pray to you. I thank you that you are seated in heavenly places, Almighty God and I thank you that you bring a fresh revelation of your intimate love for me as your son or daughter and your powerful presence in my life as Creator of heavens and earth.

KEY PRAYER POINT: PRAY FOR THE KID’S MINISTRY OF YOUR CHURCH AND THAT THE CHILDREN WOULD KNOW GOD AS THEIR HEAVENLY FATHER.