Saturday, February 13, 2016

Saturday, February 13, 2016     Our Father who art in heaven      

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ^{Romans 8:15}

The Holy Spirit does not place us back under the Law’s terrifying condemnation. Those baptized into Christ receive full status as God’s children. The Aramaic “Abba, Father” conveys childlike intimacy and confidence (Mark 14:36, Galatians 4:6) Perhaps an expression from the baptismal liturgy. Jesus gave us the privilege of addressing God as our dear Father (“Abba!”) when He gave us the Lord’s Prayer. (See Matthew 6:9-13).[1]

Why do we pray to our Father in heaven? With these words, God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask His as dear children ask their dear father.[2]

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth your right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.[3]

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[1]The Lutheran Study Bible, © 2009 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis, MO Pg.1924

[2] Luther’s Small Catechism, Introduction to the Lord’s Prayer © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[3] Collect for Saturday after Ash Wednesday, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm