Our Father in heaven wants very much to be an active Father in our lives.

However, He will not control us as though we are puppets.
We hope that the meditations will encourage you to deepen your bonds with Him in this most vital relationship of our lives.

Our Father in heaven
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven .."
Matthew 6:9

This prayer begins where all true prayer must commence, with the spirit of adoption, "Our Father."

There is no acceptable prayer until we can say, "I will arise, and go unto my Father." This child-like spirit soon perceives the grandeur of the Father "in heaven," and ascends to devout adoration, "Hallowed be Thy name."

The child lisping, "Abba, Father," grows into the cherub crying, "Holy, Holy, Holy." There is but a step from rapturous worship to the glowing missionary spirit, which is a sure outgrowth of filial love and reverent adoration - "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

Next follows the heartfelt expression of dependence upon God - "Give us this day our daily bread."

Being further illuminated by the Spirit, he discovers that he is not only dependent, but sinful, hence he entreats for mercy, "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors."

Then being pardoned, having the righteousness of Christ imputed to his life, and knowing his acceptance with God, he humbly supplicates for holy perseverance, "Lead us not into temptation."

The man who is really forgiven, is anxious not to offend again. The possession of justification through the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, leads to an anxious desire for sanctification.

"Forgive us our debts," that is justification. "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," that is sanctification in its negative and positive forms.

As the result of all this, there follows a triumphant ascription of praise, "Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever, Amen."

We rejoice that our King reigns in providence and shall reign in grace, from the river even to the ends of the earth, and of His dominion there shall be no end.

Thus from a sense of adoption, up to fellowship with our reigning Lord, this short model of prayer conducts the soul.

Lord, teach us thus to pray.

~ Morning and Evening, by C.H. Spurgeon

See you tomorrow, God willing,
when you'll find a new thought here to challenge you!
Meanwhile, have a great day walking with the Lord!