Jesus taught us to open our prayers with tender yet majestic words: “Our Father which art in heaven”. These words speak of the close relationship God gives to sinners when He makes them His children. Yet Jesus immediately added, “Hallowed be Thy name,” signifying that the Father we approach is infinitely holy. To call God “Father” is never casual; it is an act of reverent awe.  When we address God “our Father,” we must remember that He is the sacred One who sits enthroned in heaven.

Here is a question for us to consider. Is God truly pleased when we call Him “Father”?

In Jesus’ day, many Jews claimed God as their Father because of their heritage. Yet Jesus said plainly to them, “If God were your Father, ye would love me” (John 8:42a), and then, with piercing clarity, “Ye are of your father the devil” (John 8:44a). Their claim that God is their Father meant nothing when they refused Christ, whom the Father sent to redeem men.

Even today, a person may say “Our Father, which art in heaven” while living far from Jesus Christ. So when you pray to God, the Father, let it be with trust, love, and a sincere desire to follow His Son, who alone makes us God’s children (cf. John  1:12).

To name Him Father with lips untrue,

While hearts rebel and wills eschew,

Is but a hollow, fleeting claim,

A mockery of His holy name.