A. At the very beginning of our prayer Christ wants to kindle in us what is basic to our prayers - the childlike awe and trust that God through Christ has become our Father. Our fathers do not refuse us the things of this life; God our Father will even less refuse to give us what we ask in faith.
121. Q. Why the words "in heaven"?
A. Those words teach us not to think of God's heavenly majesty as something earthly and to expect everything for body and soul from His almighty power.
"We are not bowing before a tyrannical despot or a distant deity. We are praying to our Father. He's bigger, better, and stronger than any earthly father. He loves us more fiercely, understands us more deeply, and delights in us more fully.
"Though God may discipline His children and lead us through valleys we would not have chosen, we should never doubt that God is on our side... All parents wish to do the best for their children, even though our love is weak, our good is not always great, and our help is not always helpful. So how much more ought we who belong to a perfect Father call on Him with complete trust that He loves us, wants what is good for us, and serves us in ways that are best?
The Good News We Almost Forgot, Kevin DeYoung, Moody Publishers, 2010, pp. 214, 216-217.
"Though God may discipline His children and lead us through valleys we would not have chosen, we should never doubt that God is on our side... "
ReplyDeleteA very comforting truth. Thanks for posting, Persis. I hope you and Lydia had a beautiful day!