The Lord's Prayer

One famous Bible Commentator, Donald Guthrie had this to say about the term ABBA:

(Abba) was originally used by young children but it had acquired an extended meaning in familiar use roughly equivalent to "dear father".

It is a unique form that finds no parallel either in the OT or in Judaism, as an address to God.

Its use by Jesus shows how completely his view of God is divorced from any formal approach.

The "Abba" form conveys a sense of intimacy and familiarity which introduced an entirely new factor in man’s approach to God.” (New Testament Theology - D Guthrie)

Understanding the term “Abba” is I think the key to understanding the Lord’s prayer.

I have a friend, Brian Parker who refers to praying as "Let’s go and talk Father".

3. The implications of Abba

So what implications does this that have for us?

I would like to suggest that the rest of the Lord’s prayer shows us some implications:

3.1 Respect (Hallowed be Thy Name)

The first implication to God being “our Father” is the need for us to have respect.

Probably the greatest problem we have in society nowadays in the Western world is the loss of respect.

Respect for people, respect for other people’ property. As Christians, Jesus calls us to respect God

We will respect Him as the Lord’s prayer says:

Hallowed be your name

Although we have a father-son relationship with God, we need to have respect for him.

Just as a good father is revered by his children, so God is to be revered.

3.2 Obedience (Thy Will be done)

The second implication is that we will obey Him

As it says in the Lord’s prayer:

Thy will be done.

Jesus said:

"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (John 14:23)

As Christians we have an awesome responsibility to do his will!

We shouldl want to do his will but we often fail – because perhaps we fail to realise that he has our best in mind or because we want our own selfish ways.

3.3 God’s provision for us (Give us this day our daily bread)

The third implication in the relationship we have with God as “our Father” is his provison for our needs.

A good father provides for his children.

Jesus said: “ If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him (Mt 7:11)

Note God gives only good gifts – and he will say NO if it is not good for us or not in his will for us.

The Lord’s prayer reminds us of this with the words:

Give us this day our daily bread.

3.4 Forgive us our sins as we forgive others

The fourth implication is that if we relate to God as our heavenly Father – then – as his children we need to have heart that is open to forgive.

St Paul wrote: “ God demonstrated his own love for us in this “ While we were still sinners Christ died for us”.

Jesus taught us to love our enemies – quite a challenge

3.5 And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the Evil One

The fifth implication of God being Our Father is that he looks after us

Does God tempt us – perhaps a better translation is : “Do not lead us to a time of testing.”