Q: Why did Christ command us to call God "our Father"?
A: At the very beginning of our prayer
Christ wants to kindle in us
what is basic to our prayer-
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.1
1 Matt. 7:9-11; Luke 11:11-13
Q: Why the words "in heaven"?
A: These words teach us
not to think of God's heavenly majesty
as something earthly,1
and to expect everything
for body and soul
from his almighty power.2
1 Jer. 23:23-24; Acts 17:24-25
2 Matt. 6:25-34; Rom. 8:31-32