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What Do We Mean When We Pray, “Our Father in Heaven” (Henry Scudder)

Posted on 29. Jun, 2012 by Ryan McGraw in Prayer, Westminster Assembly

Henry Scudder argued that “Our Father which art in heaven” is the best means by which we may address God. This address presupposes our close and redemptive relationship to God through Christ. Here is Scudder’s summary of its meaning. May his summary help you take these words upon your lips in prayer with fresh significance:

“O Lord God, which art Father of Christ Jesus, and through him Father of me and of all believers; we coming to thee in the name of Christ, and being moved hereunto by the spirit of adoption, whereby we call, Abba, Father, we are well assured that thou wilt accept of our prayers, praying for ourselves and for our brethren: and since thou only art God, which dwellest in the high and holy place, from whence cometh every good gift, and art Almighty, as thou art God; to answer thy willingness as thou art Father; wherefore we call upon thee, and do thou vouchsafe to hear us” (Scudder, A Key of Heaven92-93).