In our next few studies through the Sermon on the Mount, we are going to slow the journey down and spend some time in the prayer that has become known as The Lord’s Prayer.

Jesus introduced it like this:

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. (In other words, no reward from God – just from people)6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Matt 6:5-8)

You may remember, from our last devotion in verses 1 – 4 that Jesus said something similar about giving to the needy. Do it in the Secret Place where only your Father in heaven sees. Don’t give or pray to try to win the approval of others. “An audience of one” is all that is important – the Lord himself. And his rewards last for all eternity.

Jesus then said, ““This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed (holy) be your name…’” (Matt 6:9)

The Bible has much to say about God being our loving Father, His presence in Heaven and His holiness. Consider these verses for example:

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)

13 From heaven the LORD looks down

and sees all mankind;

14 from his dwelling place he watches

all who live on earth—

15 he who forms the hearts of all,

who considers everything they do. (Ps 33:13-15)

​1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:

“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” (Is 6:1-3)

Our Father in Heaven, sits on His throne, exalted above all things and sees the heart of every human being. But He also loves us deeply, constantly inviting us into his presence through prayer and through faith in His son, Jesus.

Jesus taught us to respond to that invitation by speaking simple words, beginning with, ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed (holy) be your name…’. He knows the Father hears it, and He knows the Father sees us. And he knows the Father loves to call us His children.