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Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Our Father - Matthew 6:9

Bryan Schneider · August 3, 2019

Matthew 6:9

sharonrpc.org/sermons/our-father-matthew-6-9

Summary

  • Jesus teaches believers to begin prayer with “Our Father in heaven,” grounding prayer in God's revealed fatherly love, authority, and faithfulness.
  • God's fatherhood is perfect and must not be reduced to the failures or absence of earthly fathers.
  • Only those who receive Christ are given the right to become God's children; the Son brings adopted sons and daughters to the Father.
  • The word “our” makes prayer both personal and corporate, calling Christians to pray with and for family, church, neighbors, leaders, and missionaries.
  • The Father is in heaven, transcending every earthly limit while remaining attentive to his children, so believers may approach with reverence and confidence.
  • Prayer is a means of grace through which the Spirit deepens love for the Father and shapes the life of the church.

Reflection and discussion

  • Am I interpreting God's fatherhood through an earthly father's failures, or allowing Scripture to reveal the perfect Father?
  • Have I received Jesus Christ and therefore come to the Father through the Son rather than assuming a natural right of access?
  • Does “our Father” expand my prayers beyond my own needs to the people God has placed around me?
  • When someone shares a burden, will I stop and pray with that person instead of merely promising to pray later?
  • Do reverence for the Father in heaven and confidence in his love remain joined in my prayer life?
  • What regular time will I set apart this week to speak with my Father in praise, confession, thanksgiving, and petition?

Key terms

Adoption
God's gracious act of receiving believers in Christ as full sons and daughters with the privileges of his family.
Fatherhood of God
God's perfect, faithful, authoritative, and loving relation to his adopted children through Jesus Christ.
Corporate prayer
Prayer offered as members of one family who bring the needs of others before their shared Father.
Means of grace
An appointed practice through which the Holy Spirit strengthens faith and love, including prayer.

Notes and prayer