Our Father, who art in heaven; hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
278. Why would God have us speak to Him as "Our Father"?
God would hereby tenderly invite us to believe that He is truly our Father, and we are truly His children, so that we may ask of Him with all cheerfulness and confidence, as dear children ask of their dear father.
279. Who alone can confidently call God Father?
God's children alone can call God their Father.
280. Why would God have us say "our Father" and not only "my Father"?
Because He would have us pray with one another and for one another, in spiritual fellowship.
281. What is the importance of the words "who art in heaven"?
By these words we are reminded of the exalted love and power of our heavenly Father, far above that of any earthly father.
Matt. 7:11. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?