The Lord's Prayer
Q29. What is the Introduction to the Lord's Prayer?
Our Father who is in heaven.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Matthew 6:9
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
Luke 11:2
“And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What words begin the Lord's Prayer?
- 2
Why does Jesus teach us to call God "Father" instead of "Master" or "Judge"?
- 3
What does it feel like to know that the God who made everything invites you to call him Father?
Illustration
A child does not need an appointment to talk to her father. She does not fill out a form or wait in a lobby. She walks right up to him and says, "Dad." Jesus taught you to start your prayers the same way. God is not a distant official. He is your Father. He wants to hear from you, and he told you to come to him boldly.
Application
Tonight before bed, start your prayer with the words "Our Father" and pause for a moment. Let those words sink in. Because God invited you to call him Father, you can bring anything to him without fear.
Read Luther’s expanded teaching
From the Large Catechism (1529)