[A devotional reflection originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during July 2024]
The 1972 film ‘The Godfather’ tells the story of Vito Corleone, the patriarch of a New York gangster family. Despite his involvement in a wide range of nefarious business activities he was noted for his devotion to his family. By contrast, James Hilton’s 1933 novel ‘Goodbye Mr Chips’ describes how a lonely school teacher became a father-figure for hundreds of boys, not just earning not just their respect but also their devotion.[1] It has been said many times that our perception of God as ‘Father’ is often conditioned by our relationship with our own father or other father figures that we have known.
I recall the first time that my stepdaughters called me ‘Dad’ instead of Mr Steve (although later that became ‘Granddad’). It gave a recognition to the relationship that friendship alone could not replicate. Having the role of father – whether biologically, by adoption or by acceptance – places a great responsibility on us. God created mankind in his image. Are we as father figures portraying an accurate image of God?
During the past few weeks we have been enjoying a Sunday morning sermon series entitled “Grown-up Prayers” in which we have been looking in detail at the prayer recorded in Matthew chapter 6 and Luke chapter 11. I suspect that few, if any, of those responsible for choosing this series are aware that ten years ago our then pastor, Russell, based his sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer – perhaps we need a refresher! This prayer was given by Jesus to his disciples when they asked him to teach them to pray. As well as being a powerful prayer as it is, it also serves as a template for forming our own prayers.
When you pray, say: “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name”.
Luke 11 v2 [NKJV]
Most English translations retain the word ‘hallowed’ despite its disappearance from common usage. The most common alternative renderings are ‘honoured’ and ‘holy’. In each of his recorded prayers we see Jesus addressing his Father with a combination of respect, confidence and loyalty but without being over-familiar or casual; Dad rather than Daddy.[2]
Some have argued that what we commonly call the Lord’s prayer should be called the disciples’ prayer and that the title “The Lord’s Prayer” should better be applied to his prayer recorded in John 17. This latter prayer also addresses God as Father and includes a request that should be an encouragement to us:
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world”
John 17 v24 [NIVUK]
Ten years ago this week, Michael Goble wrote in ‘Yours’ about his experience of saying the Lord’s Prayer in Jerusalem where it was originally spoken. If you have time, it is worthwhile revisiting his thoughts.[3] In the meantime, here is a blessing from someone who heard the words from the Lord himself:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.
2 John 1 v3 [ESVUK]
References:
[1] Wikipedia.org: ‘The Godfather’, ‘Goodbye Mr Chips’
[2] see IVP New Testament Commentary Series, Galatians 4 v6
[3] ‘Yours, 06/Jul/2014
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys