Luther’s Insights for Prayer

From the Small Catechism

Our Father who art in heaven.

What does this mean?

With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that he is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father.

Hallowed be Thy Name.

What does this mean?

God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also.

How is God’s name kept holy?

God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven!  But anyone who teachers or lives contrary to God’s Word profanes the name of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father!

“Tender invitations” are invitations of love! They invite relationship! They build trust! They provide comfort and assurance that we will be heard by Him! We value and long for tenderness but being human, we often fail miserably at giving it! Our Heavenly Father never fails! He always comes to us that way, waiting, lovingly ready to hear from us!

Let His tenderness draw you into prayer. Speak the heart of God in prayer longing for lives lived wholly by grace. That’s His loving will for us. Talk to your Heavenly Father.