Catechism Question 89
What is the preface to the Lord’s Prayer and what does it teach us?
The preface to the Lord’s Prayer is “Our Father in heaven.” It teaches us that God is our Father in Christ, so we should approach Him with reverence and confidence, as children to their father, and that we should pray with and for others.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
This is the second in a series of questions on the Lord’s Prayer. In this question, we ask what is the preface to the Lord’s prayer and what it teaches us. The coming questions will all follow a similar format, asking for each successive part of the prayer, and what that part teaches us regarding prayer. Since this is a model for prayer, this format is important. It is important to not only remember the words of the Lord’s Prayer itself, but to understand what those words mean, and how they should be put into practice in our own prayers.
The answer to this question tells several things. First, because we are in Christ, God is our Father. This is the basis for why we are even able to approach God in prayer. Second, it tells us that because God is our Father in Christ we should approach Him with confidence. Though we should always have a deep respect and reverence for God (the fear of the Lord), we are His children and He welcomes us into His presence because of Christ. Finally, we note that this preface teaches us that prayer is not just for myself, for God is not just My Father, He is OUR Father. In one sense, prayer is an intensely communal thing (which is why all of the pronouns in this prayer regarding humans are plural, not singular). This facet of prayer will be seen in each section of the prayer.
Additional Questions:
What are the first words of the prayer Jesus taught His disciples, and what do they teach us?
Scripture References:
Matthew 6:9–13
“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
Luke 11:1–4
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
Matthew 6:5–6
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 7:11
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Romans 8:15–17
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
John 16:26–27
In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.
Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Questions for Further Discussion:
What does it mean that we call God our Father? Is Jesus saying God is the Father of all humans?
If God is our Father because of Christ, how should this affect our praying?
Why is it important that Jesus taught us to pray “Our Father” instead of “My Father”?
Additional Information:
This question is based on questions 120-121 of the Heidelberg Catechism and question 100 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Any resources you find on the Heidelberg or Westminster Shorter Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teaching “Praying To Our Father In Heaven” (January 5, 2014).
Suggested Worship Song:
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us (Stuart Townend)
(This song reminds us how great is the love of the Father for us, as seen in the death of Christ. This deep love should give us great assurance as we approach our Father in prayer.)
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom