Friday, February 12, 2016

Friday, February 12, 2016



Friday, February 12, 2016    Our Father who art in heaven             

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; Psalm 103:13

Family imagery adds warmth to this picture of God’s forgiveness. [1]

The simple word Father tells us that God loves us and wants us to pray to Him confidently and without fear. As our Heavenly Father, He is always looking for our benefit. “All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me.”[2]

The centurion of Capernaum confessed that he did not deserve to have the Lord come under his roof. Yet in simple confidence, he made his request for healing. We have the assurance that God not only hears us but also has a tender heart of a compassionate Father to act on behalf of His dear children. We pray to a Father who loves us. We address our heavenly Father who delights in hearing us and relishes the opportunity to act on behalf of His children.

Support us, O Lord, with your gracious favor through the fast we have begun; that as we observe it by bodily self-denial, so we may fulfill it with inner sincerity of heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.[3]




[1] The Lutheran Study Bible, © 2009 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis, MO Pg. 946
[2] Explanation to the First Article of the Apostles’ Creed
[3] Collect for Friday after Ash Wednesday, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

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