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I. IN WHAT SENSE GOD IS A FATHER.

1. With relation to Christ, as the Son of God: so the first Person is called the Father, as He is the fountain of the Deity.

2. With respect to us: for the first Person is not only the Father of Christ, but our Father. We share with Christ in all His relations: as God was His God by covenant, so He is our God.

II. By CREATION God is a Father. To establish the relation of a Father, there must be a communication of life and likeness. A painter that makes an image or picture like himself, he is not the father of it; for though there be likeness, yet no life.

III. What ADVANTAGE have we in prayer from this common interest, or general respect of God's being a Father by virtue of creation?

1. This common relation binds us to pray to Him. All things which God hath made, by a secret instinct they are carried to God for their supply.

2. It draweth common benefits after it. Christ saith where God hath given a life, He will give food.

3. It giveth us confidence in the power of God. The Creator who made you out of-nothing can keep and preserve life when you have nothing.

IV. How WILL GOD PERFORM THE PARTS OF A FATHER?

1. In allowing us full leave to come to Him in all our necessities.

2. In supplying all our wants (Isaiah 49:16).

3. In pitying our miseries. Many times we forget the duty of children, but God will not forget the mercy of a Father.

4. In disciplining us, and treating us with much indulgence, wisdom, and care. A father takes a great deal of pains in forming his child, fashioning its manners and behaviour: so God doth with His children.

5. In providing able guardians for His children. None so attended as God's children are. They have a guard of angels to watch over them.

6. In laying up an inheritance for them.

(Thomas Manton, D. D.)

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KJV: After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

WEB: Pray like this: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.