Jesus, is asked “How should we pray?” His answer is what we know to be ‘The Lords Prayer’.
Why is this the first line?
Just like any letter or email. We open with addressing who we are communicating to. Here, we acknowledge God. But this is not just a formality. In a family court of law. Arguably one of the most significant emotive places someone could submit their claims. When someone is making a case. They list the reasons why they are there. This is known as a ‘Scott Schedule’. It’s well known among the law society, that the first thing on the list is always recognised to be the most important. The most significant aspect. The reason of all reasons. A way for the judge to assess the focus of the person presenting it.
The opening line of the Lords prayer points to the most important factor. ‘Our Father’, God. Before we ask for anything. Before we say sorry for anything. Before acknowledging anything else. We acknowledge God. Here, Jesus is taking us to the very beginning of all things.
When we set our sights on who he is. We begin to align with his view of things. The focus of our heart and mind begins to lift from our ways. It comes less about our own personal self and desires. The focus is set on God. The most important thing to Jesus before all else. His very reason for being. God, his father in heaven.
Who are we speaking to?
Who is God? Before anything else, we need to know who we are addressing. Who are we speaking to? The creator of the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). The one who is the beginning and the end of all things. (Revelation 22:13). Holy. One who is the perfectness of perfection. Or as the bible puts it, ‘Majestic in holiness’ (Exodus 15:11). While the bible is an endless resource into the person of God the father, and his many aspects. These three factors set the scene for helping us to gain perspective into who we are addressing. Understanding this perspective makes it very clear why Jesus places this as the first and foremost aspect of prayer. it’s all about God. It’s all for God.
Where is God? Heaven?
The next aspect we might see on the top of a letter or email is the address. Where are we sending our communication? Heaven is a place where God currently dwells. A throne and holy temple (psalm 11:4). A parallel realm to earth. (John 18:36) A place of holiness. (Psalm 68:5).
In our earthy understanding. We often think of a physical location if writing a letter. If it’s an email, the email address refers to a commonly agreed concept. But still contained within a given server location. But heaven exists outside this realm. Beyond geographical location. Beyond the physical realm. Transcending earthly limitations. Outside of human comprehension. (1 Cor 2:9).
One day, all things will be reconciled (made new) to him and through him (Jesus, God the son) (Col 1:19-20). When God will dwell, not just in heaven, but among his people on earth as in heaven (the new restored holy earth). But until that day comes. Heaven is where God dwells.