May 15, 2026

Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - Introduction

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 11:24-29; 12:1-16; Luke 17:20-37

Our Father who art in heaven. What does this mean? With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father. (Lord’s Prayer - Introduction and Explanation)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

There are certain words that, by definition, tell you something about someone's relationship with others around them. Teachers need students, and students need teachers. The coach needs players, and players need a coach. The naval captain needs a crew, and the crew needs a captain. The pastor needs people, and God’s people need a pastor. You get the idea.

Something similar is happening when we pray the Lord’s Prayer.

One of the blessings Jesus gives us at the beginning of the Lord’s Prayer is these words, “Our Father.” These are foundational, relationship-defining words and promises. “Our Father.” Just two words into the prayer, not even finished with the introduction, and God has already told us something important. “I am your Father. You are my children. I am the giver of all good things. You are the receiver of my grace and goodness. I, and I alone, define who you are. You belong to me. Your sins are paid for by the blood of my Son. You are saved by his cross. You are called, gathered, and enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Your faith and life are in my good and gracious hands.”

And this is good news, because the sad reality is that sometimes earthly fathers fail miserably. Tragically, there are earthly fathers who abandon, abuse, or afflict their children. And the truth is, that all fathers, even the best ones, are still sinners in need of a perfect, loving, gracious heavenly father. And they’re not alone in that. We all are.

This is one of the reasons Jesus starts the prayer this way: “Our Father.” God the Father’s love will not fail you. His grace towards you will never end. He won't walk out on you, hurt, or harm you. He promises never to leave you nor forsake you. His love and mercy and grace towards you are as he is, eternal, without end, wider than the widest ocean, and taller than the highest mountain. And should you ever doubt or despair of your Heavenly Father’s love for you, you need look no further than the cross, where he sent His Son, His only Son, to die for you. And, that same Son, Jesus, gives you the joy and privilege of praying alongside him those words of promise, peace, and presence. Our Father.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Our Father who from heav’n above Bids all of us to live in love As members of one family And pray to You in unity, Teach us no thoughtless words to say But from our inmost hearts to pray. (LSB 766:1)

Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.