From Our Father to Amen: The Prayer That Shapes UsSample

Our Father

Always Waiting, Always Welcoming

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He began with two powerful words: “Our Father.” These are not just an introduction—they are an invitation into the heart of God. Through the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus paints a vivid picture of what that the Father is truly like.

A young son demands his inheritance and leaves home. He squanders everything in reckless living and ends up broken, hungry, and ashamed. But in his lowest moment, he remembers something—not just his father’s house, but his father’s heart. He says, “I will arise and go to my father” (Luke 15:18 NKJV). Not because he thinks he deserves another chance, but because he knows what kind of father he has.

And what does the father do? He runs to meet him. He doesn’t wait with arms crossed or eyes judging. He runs—with compassion, with tears, with joy. Before the son can even finish his confession, the father embraces him, dresses him in robes, and calls for a feast. This is the heart of Our Father.

How often do we think we must clean ourselves up before coming to God? But this parable reminds us—Our Father meets us in our mess. His kindness leads us to repentance. He doesn't restore us as servants, but as beloved children. That’s grace.

Then there’s the older brother. He never left home, but he too misunderstands his father. He sees their relationship as one built on duty and effort, not love. He thinks he’s earned favor, but he’s missed the Father’s heart. The father goes out to him too—pleading with him, inviting him in. One son ran away in rebellion; the other stood outside in resentment. Yet the father loved both deeply.

Whether you’ve drifted far from God or have tried to earn His love through works, the message is the same: Your Father is calling you home.

So as you pray, pause on those first two words—Our Father. He’s not distant. He’s not angry. He is patient, merciful, and always watching for your return. His arms are open. His heart is full. Come home today.