As I Pray
Who am I talking to?

Continuing our thoughts on our relationship with God and our worship through the words of the Lord’s Prayer.

Matthew 6:9

"9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."

"Father, help us to understand and what to say."

Many people offer up prayers and say their prayers, but do we know who we are talking to?

The disciples, who were use to hearing the religious leaders pray, according to Moses Laws etc., realized that Jesus had a different attitude to the act of praying, so they asked Jesus to "teach us how to pray."
Luke 11:1-4

"1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."

We are therefore examining the "Lord’s Prayer, as recorded in Matthew 6:9-15 to see what it teaches us about worshiping God.
We call it the "Lord’s Prayer" but it was intended for the disciples to use.

"9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

The words given by Jesus are a basic prayer, are a model to use, but it covers all the areas that God would like us to follow.
It comes in two divisions:-
part one - The Glory of God.
part two - Our personal needs.

How to pray - position.

There are no instruction on "your position when praying," whether to close your eyes, put hands in a specific position, on your knees, laying down or standing, no instructions are given.
There are no instructions included "on where to pray" No specific place.
There are no specific instructions on "when to pray,"
There are no specific instructions on your attire when praying, what clothes to wear.

What does the Lord’s Prayer teach us at the beginning?

Who God is:-

The prayer starts with the words "Our Father which art in heaven," There are no other religions which refer to God as "Our Father." what a wonderful relationship.
We must also recognize who we are referring to as "Father." Who we are talking too. The omnipotent, the all knowing , all controlling, creator of the Universe and creator of each one of us. God Almighty.

Jesus referred to God as "Father" many times in the New Testament and as True Believers we are called God’s "sons and daughters," through the death of Jesus Christ.
John 1:12;

"12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"

True Believers in the New Testament records also refereed to God as "Father." For example:-
Romans 1:7;

"7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Romans 8:14-16.

"14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:"

See also other examples in: Matthew 6:4,  Matthew 6:8;  Matthew 6:15;  Matthew 6:18;  Matthew 10:20;  Matthew 10:29.  1 Corinthians 1:3;  2 Corinthians 1:2;  Galatians 1:4,5.

The word used in the original Greek for the word "Father" is "ABBA" which has the more personal meaning of "DAD," thus indicating how close the relationship with God is for a True Believer. We must remember that we should not compare our earthly father with God the Father, our earthly fathers are never really perfect, some, unfortunately. are very imperfect. God, our creator, made us in His Image, body, soul and spirit, and will one day be like Him, through Jesus Christ, His Son, perfect.
A true Believer has a very special relationship with God our Father, we have been made His children through the death of Jesus on the cross in our place.,
John 1:12;

"12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"

There are no fears of approaching God for the True Believer,
Hebrews 4:14-16.

"14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

The true Believer in fact has been given special rights to approach God, in the Name of Jesus we have become the true children of God, and as the all knowing God He knows all about you.
Please also note, that as children of God we are a family, not ever alone, our prayers are not just "Me," but the family of true believers praying for each other.

Romans 8:1,2.

"1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

God our Father knows all about us, yet wants us to come and talk, Jesus has made the link between God and us.
Please note, He is the Creator of all and we should have great reverence, honour and awe as we come into His presence.