1. Matthew 6:9 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does it mean to call God “Our Father”?

Matthew 6:9 (ESV)

9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

The movement from being children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3) to children who know God’s favour (John 1:12–13; 1 John 3:1–2) and call him Father is not limited to the individual. Fellow believers are also included; we pray to Our Father.1 The LORD has ransomed a people for himself from every nation (Revelation 5:9–10). There is a communal nature to the Christian life. Having been made part of a new family (Romans 8:14–17), we live together with brothers and sisters and our concerns must include theirs.2