Part 1 in The Lord's Prayer Series

Remember that no one of us ever becomes so faithful, so bold in our discipleship, that we become experts in being Christian.  We need to humble ourselves and come to the one who can help us.  Even if you have been Christian for fifty, sixty, seventy years, you still have your faith challenged.  Even after following Jesus, Thomas still had to put his hands in the holes in Jesus’ side before he would believe in the Resurrection.  It is difficult for those of us who have not seen, and yet need to believe.  And surprisingly enough, Jesus knew this.  He knew that the road through life would be difficult.  And that is exactly why he gave us this prayer.  He told us to pray like this so that we might be reunited with our neighbor.  He told us to pray like this so that we might see God as our loving, caring, affectionate Father, not one who we have to be afraid of but one who chooses love over fear.  He told us to pray like this so that we might see God as one having authority, but not being distant.  Our Father is in Heaven.  He is in the throne room, but God is also next to our ear, letting us roam in order to have our share of independence, just like a good Father, but also wishing to reel us back in whenever we make a wrong turn.  First, God is ours.  We share in a collective faith.  Second, God is our Father.  He loves us more perfectly than our earthly fathers.  And third, God is in control.  God art in Heaven.  He has not been dethroned.  God is the ultimate victor.  God is our Father.  May all honor and glory be to God.  Thanks be to God!  Amen.