Blog

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed by your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.¹

To the Jews addressing God as Father was a radical teaching. To them he had always been God (Elohim),² The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,³ The LORD our God.⁴ And many more names; but Father was a new one. God had always been a holy, perfect God who was normally reached through the intercession of a High Priest, who likewise had to go through rituals of cleansing. “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them, No one will make himself unclean . . . . for a priest is holy to his God. You shall sanctify him, for he offers the bread of your God. He shall be holy to you, for I, the LORD, who sanctify you, am holy.⁵

Father implies a familial relationship. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places . . . In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, . . .⁶ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, . . . making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.⁷

In him we have obtained an inheritance, . . . according to the counsel of his will . . . In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.⁸

It is God’s will that his holiness and perfection be mimicked on earth as it is in heaven. Thus, our need for sanctification.⁹ What has to be shaken shall be shaken.¹⁰ Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.¹¹ Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.¹²

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.¹³ Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what is promised.¹⁴