Heaven is the realm of God’s presence, power, and glory, which exists invisibly alongside this visible realm, and from which God hears the prayers of his children.

Unlike our natural fathers, our heavenly Father loves us perfectly, is almighty in his care, makes no errors in judgment, and disciplines us only for our good.

Like all loving and sincere earthly fathers, God loves us in our weakness, provides for our needs, teaches us in our ignorance, and corrects us when we go astray.

Jesus teaches us always to understand ourselves not only as individuals but as members of God’s family of believers, and to pray accordingly.

All who come to God through faith and Baptism in Christ are adopted as children of God the Father.

We call God “Father” because Jesus teaches his disciples that we are God’s children and should call God “our Father.”

The traditional form of the Lord’s Prayer begins by addressing God the Father, makes seven petitions, adds a doxology, and concludes with “Amen.”

The Lord’s Prayer models the primary types of prayer: praise of God, intercession for his rule, petition for his provision and protection, and confession of sins. I should pray regularly in all these ways.

I should pray the Lord’s Prayer regularly because it teaches me to pray as Jesus commanded and to desire what his Father wills.