8/12/12- Our Father

⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, (Matthew 6:9)

He defends the cause of the fatherless.  (Deuteronomy 10:18)

When Jesus saw this [the disciples forbidding the children to see him], he was indignant and said, "Allow the little children to come to me and do not forbid them." (Mk. 10:14)

(Jesus and the little children- Carl Bloch)

WSC Q. 100- What does the introduction of the Lord's Prayer teach us?
A. The introduction of the Lord's Prayer, which is "Our Father who art in heaven" teaches us to draw near to God with holy reverence and confidence, as children draw close to a father who is able and ready to help us, and that we should pray with and for others. 

Thoughts: God cares for those who cannot care for themselves.  He cares for the fatherless and the widow.  The word "fatherless" not only means the orphan, but it could also incorporate those who have earthly fathers, but whose earthly fathers have abandoned them or do not show concern for them. When we have bad fathers, mean fathers, cold fathers, selfish fathers, sinful fathers- God defends the cause of the fatherless against them.
    So this is one reason why churches need to have children and child care as a priority for outreach and care.  It used to be said of Presbyterian missions that wherever a presbyterian mission station was started, a children's school was started as well.  We need to get back to that missionary attitude and reach out to the children of our community. 

Prayer: Help me Lord, to have a tender heart for the children around me, as you did.