Our Father
- jason43381
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
Matthew 6:9–13
“Therefore, you should pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Discuss It
Why is God often referred to in the Bible as our heavenly Father?
Why does He choose to associate Himself with a father figure?
Father = Relationship
Know It – Parable of the Loving Father
Luke 15:11–32 is often called the Parable of the Prodigal Son, but it is more accurately titled the Parable of the Loving (or Compassionate) Father because the central focus of the story is not the son’s failure, but the father’s unconditional love for both of his sons.
Know It – The Father’s Permission
Luke 15:11–13
The father permits the son to receive his inheritance early and allows him to make his own choices.
Know It – The Father’s Patience
Luke 15:14–19
The father patiently allows the son to leave and live the life he chooses. He does not chase, control, or condemn. Even when things are at their lowest, he patiently waits for the son’s return.
Discuss It
Why didn’t the father chase after the son when he saw all the mistakes the son was making?
Know It – The Father’s Passionate Love
Luke 15:20–21
The father passionately loved the son. As soon as the son returned home, the father ran to him, hugged him, and kissed him.
Know It – The Father’s Pardon & Provision
Luke 15:22–24
Before punishment is mentioned, forgiveness is given. The son barely finished his confession and never even asked to be a servant. The father fully restores him—giving him new clothes, restoring his position, and providing food.
Know It – The Father’s Pleading
Luke 15:25–32
The father pleads with the older son to join the celebration. Both sons are lost in different ways. This parable speaks to the Pharisees—those who stayed in the house, followed the law, and appeared faithful, yet missed the very heart of the Father.
Live It – Prayer Principles About Our Father
Our Father wants a relationship with us—relationships require communication.
Our Father pursues us all differently.
He allows us to make our own choices and experience the consequences.
Our Father patiently waits for us to come to Him and ask forgiveness.
He passionately loves us and desires to pour out His affection and blessings.
Some have a relationship with the Father but miss His heart.
He is pleading with us to follow His will and His plans.
Share It – The Father’s Heart
“Our Father’s heart is not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Are you sharing the gospel message that the Father forgives sins and makes all things new for anyone who believes and repents?
Reflect On It
Do you talk to your Father in prayer?
Have you committed to praying daily?
Is there unconfessed sin you need to repent of tonight?
Have you missed the heart of your Father in seeking to save the lost?
Comments