The Lord's Prayer
Q30. What does this mean?
With these words, God lovingly invites us to believe that he is our true Father and we are his true children. So we can ask him for anything with boldness and trust, just as children ask their loving father.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Romans 8:15
“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
Galatians 4:6
“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”
Matthew 7:7–11
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does Luther say God is inviting us to believe when we say "Our Father"?
- 2
What does it mean to pray "with boldness and trust"?
- 3
What is something you have been afraid to ask God for?
Illustration
A boy needs help with a project but he is too embarrassed to ask his dad. His dad finds out later and says, "Why did you not come to me? I wanted to help." God commands you to pray. He promises to hear you. When you hold back your prayers, you are ignoring both his command and his invitation. He is not annoyed by your asking. He told you to ask.
Application
Write down one thing you have been hesitant to pray about. Bring it to God this week in your own words. Because he is your true Father and you are his true child, there is nothing too small or too big to bring to him.
Read Luther’s expanded teaching
From the Large Catechism (1529)