Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses …
Summary: Returning to the word “our,” we discover that there might be more reasons that Jesus told us to pray this way.
Writing about the Lord’s Prayer seems like it should be a simple thing. The problem is that God has a mind that is infinitely BIG. Trying to wrap a human mind around his thoughts is an endless effort. For me, the experience is a bit like trying to measure the ocean with a teacup. There is always more to do.
As we dive deeper into the Lord’s Prayer, we dive into the heart of God. Jesus knew what he was doing when he taught his disciples (and us) this prayer. It perfectly encompasses the heart of God and our relationship with him. For example, it starts with the word, “Our…”
If you were to come into a room and sit down with your father, just you and he, it would seem odd to greet him with “Our father….” Normally a person would say something like “Hi Dad,” or “Father,” or maybe just start talking. Instead, Jesus has us using a form of the plural “we.”
Who is “we” referring to?
That is the question that nibbles at my mind when I pray the Lord’s prayer. Is it me and a few people I know? Is it me and all other Christians, or is it all people? One thing is for certain, it is more than just “me.”
And therein lies the magic of the “our” in “Our Father…”
When we come to prayer before our God, even though we are physically alone, we are spiritually together. All people have a spiritual nature, and all believers have a spirit that has been “born again” (John 3: 6-8). When we pray, we are not alone. The writer of Hebrews describes those of faith who have passed from this life as a “great cloud of witnesses.” It is good to be aware of this, and the Lord’s Prayer reminds us of this with the first word.
When we pray, our spirit kneels with millions of other souls who call God “Father.”
Application: Open your mind to the spiritual family you have been adopted into.
Food for Thought: How does knowing that we are not alone spiritually make a difference in our daily walk?
How does knowing that we are not alone spiritually make a difference in our daily walk?
It matters so much knowing that you are loved and never forsaken. That others are encouraging you. Walking alone in a dark world most are lost and it’s hard to find your way stumbling over everything. What seemed like boulders turn into pebbles when you have others to guide you, teach you, and show you theres a better way than the dark… there’ is light, that showes The way. Gods way.
I’m reminded of something an instructor said ” if you want to go quick and quiet go alone….. But if you want to go far, go as a group”.
But I think I like
Romans 8:31-38 more.
Brother Tim,
You do have a way with words! I love the imagery of rocks in our path. To turn your metaphor around, pebbles can seem like boulders when we are alone in the dark. Walking in the light of God’s love and in fellowship with other believers does indeed reveal the landscape we are treading. And your instructor’s comment and the Romans 8 passage are spot on! Thank you!
Knowing that we are spiritually connected through God’s Will should give us encouragement and a sense of unity. I say should because we have a tendency of getting in the way of what God is working on our lives. But when we can come before God seeking His Will, and knowing that our brothers and sisters are also seeking God’s Will , we know we are not alone. Not alone internally and not alone externally.
Romans 1:12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.
Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;
I have witnessed and experienced a greater presence of the Lord when praying with one or more fellow believer’s.
Matthew 18:19-20 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
That spiritual connection is very powerful. It is literally praying for God’s Will to be done in your lives and watching it happen. Afterwards, with the people you prayed with, having experienced that together, you have a connection that goes beyond a normal human connection.
Chris,
Your words remind me of that old saying, “Families who pray together stay together.” It applies to the church family as well.
Thank you!
Great responses ahead of mine by TLN and Chris.
In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon gave several reasons not to walk alone – several benefits of fellowship with our brothers and sisters. These are seen in Ecclesiastes 4: 9 – 12.
We were meant to be pack (or flock) animals. Our prayer lives should also reflect that we are not traveling alone.
Rich,
Efficiency, warmth and security are the benefits Solomon attributes to walking with others. Great passage! Thank you!
11-03-2022, How does knowing that we are not alone spiritually make a difference in our daily walk?
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever the Spirit of truth.” John 14:16–17,
Also see, Matthew 28:20, Romans 8:9, 8:35-39, Hebrews 13:5-6,
1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 John 4:16
As I read our bible I see voluminous amounts of assurance from God that He is always with us, we are truly never alone. At times I am physically alone, even in a room full of people, but I never feel spiritually alone. The Holy Spirit of God resides in our hearts and His eternal presence guides, comforts our heart, and mind as He walks with us. He is the power given to us to live in but not of this world. Men and women of God understand the gift of quiet is given to us by God and seek His guidance and use it wisely. Humbly turn to God and allow His Spirit to intercede for us in accordance with His will, and listen for His guidance.
Romans 8:26—27
Jesus frequently physically separated Himself from others so He could spend time with the Father. He is an example to us all.
Matthew 14:13, 14:23, 26:39, Mark 1:12, 1:35-37, 1:45, 2:13, 3:13, 6:46, Luke 5:15-16, 6:12-13, 9:10, 9:28
Ron,
Nicely researched! This meditation has helped me understand the importance of opening our spiritual eyes just as you describe. Thanks!