Our Father

Main Thought

Jesus taught His followers to pray in a revolutionary way. He tells us to address God as “our Father.” Realizing that God is our Father changes the way we think about prayer. As our Father, God loves us more than we can imagine. He also operates in a totally different realm, which means He’s more powerful than we can comprehend. God’s power and love puts Him in a class all by Himself. Love means that He wants to help us, and power means that He’s able to help us. That’s why we should be willing to pray “big prayers.” If we only pray for ordinary things, then we’ll only receive ordinary answers to prayer. If we ask God for extraordinary things, then we’ll begin to see extraordinary answers! Remember, our Father in Heaven is an extraordinary God.

Main Passages

9 “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 And 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.’ 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. 

- Matthew 6:9-15

17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 

- John 20:17

Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; 

- Isaiah 66:1

Discussion Questions

  1. Can you think of any answers to prayer in your life, whether they were ordinary or extraordinary?

  2. Do you believe that a) you can approach God as a good, loving Father; and, b) God has the power to help you? Please explain.

  3. Pray together and ask God for something extraordinary! (Partner or cluster as necessary.)