Your Heavenly Father Knows You

"Your Heavenly Father knows the things you need of before you ask Him."

This verse in Matthew precedes the Lord's prayer. The context being, "Don't be as the Gentiles who flaunt themselves and use meaningless repitition believing that this alerts the ears of God; rather, pray in secret, knowing that God hears you because you are His." When we look at the Lords' prayer, it begins with praise and affirmation of who God is - His name is hallowed. It continues with a heart of submission in the expression, "Thy will be done." Following are the requests for daily bread, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil. It ends where it began - "For Thine is the kingdom, power and glory" - a sentiment similar to Revelation 4:8,11.
Within the whole of Scripture we are assured over and over again that God knows us intimately and for the believer this brings great comfort. We call Him "Abba"; He knows our needs; He hears our voice; He never tires; His love endures forever; He has known us in our unformed substance; He has called us; sealed us; adopted us; is sanctifying us; and will bring to completion what He has begun - all to the Glory of His name.
When we pray within this framework, we pray in confidence that God is a mighty God and that life is not about our perceived needs because God already knows our needs. Instead, life is about His glory and our living in humble obedience because of His grace.
It is as though we could simply pray, "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name"...and remain silent in the awe that we belong to this Mighty King! We pray because we are told to pray and in our obedience we are transformed and God is honored.
Cindy
Children's Minister