Memory Work and Readings for Pentecost (May 31)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Numbers 21:10-35
Luke 21:20-38

Monday:
Numbers 22:1-20
Luke 22:1-23

Tuesday:
Numbers 22:21—23:3
Luke 22:24-46

Wednesday:
Numbers 23:4-28
Luke 22:47-71

Thursday:
Numbers 24:1-25
Luke 23:1-25

Friday:
Numbers 27:12-23
Luke 23:26-56

Saturday:
Numbers 32:1-6, 16-27
Luke 24:1-27



Bible Verse for Memorizing
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2)



Small Catechism for Memorizing: Baptism
What does such baptizing with water indicate? It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Where is this written? St. Paul writes in Romans, chapter six: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)

Memory Work and Readings for Exaudi (May 24)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Numbers 14:1-25
Luke 18:18-34

Monday:
Numbers 14:26-45
Luke 18:35—19:10

Tuesday:
Numbers 16:1-22
Luke 19:11-28

Wednesday:
Numbers 16:23-40
Luke 19:29-48

Thursday:
Numbers 16:41—17:13
Luke 20:1-18

Friday:
Numbers 20:1-21
Luke 20:19-44

Saturday:
Numbers 20:22—21:9
Luke 20:45—21:19



Bible Verse for Memorizing
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. (Psalm 118:22)



Small Catechism for Memorizing: Baptism
What does such baptizing with water indicate? It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Memory Work and Readings for Rogate (5-17-09

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Numbers 3:1-16, 39-48
Luke 14:25—15:10

Monday:
Numbers 8:5-26
Luke 15:11-32

Tuesday:
Numbers 9:1-23
Luke 16:1-18

Wednesday:
Numbers 10:11-36
Luke 16:19-31

Thursday:
Numbers 11:1-23, 31-35
Luke 17:1-19

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

Saturday:
Numbers 13:1-3, 17-33
Luke 18:1-17



Bible Verse for Memorizing
When [Christ] ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. (Ephesians 4.8)



Small Catechism for Memorizing: Baptism
How can water do such great things? Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” (Titus 3:5-8)

Daily Readings:
Sunday:
Leviticus 20:1-16, 22-27
Luke 11:37-54

Monday:
Leviticus 21:1-24
Luke 12:1-12

Tuesday:
Leviticus 23:1-22
Luke 12:13-34

Wednesday:
Leviticus 23:23-44
Luke 12:35-53

Thursday:
Leviticus 24:1-23
Luke 12:54—13:17

Friday:
Leviticus 26:1-20
Luke 13:18-35

Saturday:
Leviticus 26:21-33, 39-44
Luke 14:1-24


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. (Psalm 37:8)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: Baptism
How can water do such great things? Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit.

Myths about Holy Communion: Worthiness

Originally published in Tidings, Immanuel's parish newsletter.

Myths about Holy Communion: Worthiness

Note: This month's "From the Pastor" article continues an occasional series, "Myths about ...". The series will address common misconceptions about Holy Scripture, church doctrine, the liturgy, the Missouri Synod, etc. If you have an idea for the series, or any other topic you would like to see addressed, send your questions to askthepastor@immanuelalexandria.org and you may see a response in a future issue of Tidings!

On Holy Thursday, I began my sermon with a quotation from the great Swedish Bishop, Bo Giertz: “There are no worthy guests at the Lord’s table. None has deserved to come.” That quotation generated a few questions about how it squares with what the Small Catechism says on worthiness:

Who receives this Sacrament worthily?
Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words "for you" require all hearts to believe.

On the surface, it appears there is a contradiction. The Giertz quotation says there are no worthy communicants; the Small Catechism says the worthy communicant is the one who has faith in the words of Jesus. But there is no contradiction. Both are making the same point: worthiness is not in ourselves, but in Christ. The late Donald Deffner, a seminary professor in the Missouri Synod, put it this way: "To be 'worthy and well prepared' doesn't mean attaining a certain level of goodness, but rather examining oneself and seeing one's utter need for Christ."

To say that none of us deserves to come to the Lord's Table is true. We are sinners through and through. We are beggars, poor, miserable, worthless. No one has the right to approach. Not the pastor, or church president, or head elder, or most-generous giver, or the member with the most seniority. It's not our church, but the Lord's Church. And so we approach as invited guests, not worthy to come on our own, but finding all our worthiness in Christ.

This means we approach as penitents. Our approach is with faith in the words, "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." And so we go the altar as sinners looking for forgiveness. I like to put it this way: Worthiness consists of seeing our unworthiness.

When we see our own unworthiness, and thus how much we need the righteousness and life that Christ is and gives in the Sacrament, we will have a deep hunger and thirst for the Sacrament. It becomes the center of our life, and we learn to pray that great Eucharistic Prayer: "To Thee [O Christ] will we live, to Thee will we die, and Thine shall we be forever."

Your unworthy shepherd,
+Pastor Esget

Memory Work and Readings for Jubilate (5-3-09)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Leviticus 8:1-13, 30-36
Luke 9:1-17

Monday:
Leviticus 9:1-24
Luke 9:18-36

Tuesday:
Leviticus 10:1-20
Luke 9:37-62

Wednesday:
Leviticus 16:1-24
Luke 10:1-22

Thursday:
Leviticus 17:1-16
Luke 10:23-42

Friday:
Leviticus 18:1-7, 20—19:8
Luke 11:1-13

Saturday:
Leviticus 19:9-18, 26-37
Luke 11:14-36



Bible Verse for Memorizing
Jesus said, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)



Small Catechism for Memorizing: Baptism
What benefits does Baptism give? It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

Which are these words and promises of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark16:16)

Memory Work and Readings for Misericordias Domini (April 26)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Exodus 32:15-35
Luke 6:39-49

Monday:
Exodus 33:1-23
Luke 7:1-17

Tuesday:
Exodus 34:1-28
Luke 7:18-35

Wednesday:
Exodus 34:29—35:21
Luke 7:36-50

Thursday:
Exodus 38:21—39:8, 22-23, 27-31
Luke 8:1-21

Friday:
Exodus 39:32—40:16
Luke 8:22-39

Saturday:
Exodus 40:17-38
Luke 8:40-56


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: Baptism
What benefits does Baptism give? It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

Memory Work and Readings for Quasimodo Geniti (April 19)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Exodus 20:1-24
Luke 4:1-15

Monday:
Exodus 22:20—23:13
Luke 4:16-30

Tuesday:
Exodus 23:14-33
Luke 4:31-44

Wednesday:
Exodus 24:1-18
Luke 5:1-16

Thursday:
Exodus 25:1-22
Luke 5:17-39

Friday:
Exodus 31:1-18
Luke 6:1-19

Saturday:
Exodus 32:1-14
Luke 6:20-38


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. (Luke 6:27-28)


Small Catechism for Memorizing:  Baptism
What is Baptism? Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.

Which is that word of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

Memory Work and Readings for Easter (April 12)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Exodus 14:10-31
Hebrews 7:23—8:13

Monday:
Exodus 15:1-18
Hebrews 9:1-28

Tuesday:
Exodus 15:19—16:12
Hebrews 10:1-18

Wednesday:
Exodus 16:13-35
Hebrews 10:19-39

Thursday:
Exodus 17:1-16
Hebrews 11:1-29

Friday:
Exodus 18:5-27
Hebrews 12:1-24

Saturday:
Exodus 19:1-25
Hebrews 13:1-21



Bible Verse for Memorizing
Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him. (Hebrews 9:28)



Small Catechism for Memorizing
Baptism: What is Baptism? Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.

Memory Work and Readings for Palmarum (April 5)

Daily Readings:
Sunday:
Exodus 8:1-32
Hebrews 1:1-14

Monday:
Exodus 9:1-28
Hebrews 3:1-18

Tuesday:
Exodus 9:29—10:20
Hebrews 3:1-19

Wednesday:
Exodus 10:21—11:10
Hebrews 4:1-16

Thursday:
Exodus 12:1-28
Hebrews 5:1-14

Friday:
Exodus 12:29-32; 13:1-16
Hebrews 6:1-20

Saturday:
Exodus 13:17—14:9
Hebrews 7:1-22


Bible Verse for Memorizing
We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)


Small Catechism for Memorizing
The Lord’s Prayer - The Conclusion:
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

What does this mean? This means that I should be certain that these petitions are pleasing to our Father in heaven, and are heard by Him; for He Himself has commanded us to pray in this way and has promised to hear us. Amen, amen means “yes, yes, it shall be so.”

Taking Easter Seriously

Note: This article was originally published in Tidings, Immanuel's parish newsletter.

Last month my newsletter article was entitled "Taking Lent Seriously." Toward the end I wrote, "We need to take Lent seriously because we need to take our sins seriously. But we need to take Lent seriously also because we need to take God seriously, learning anew how good He is." How has that been going for you? If you're anything like me, this Lent has seen successes and failures, victories over sin and stumbling into sins. Even after the good days, the words from the rite for private confession remain true: "I have lived as if God did not matter and as if I mattered most." But Lent is coming to a close, whether it's been a good one (spiritually speaking) for us or not. What then?

It's often puzzled me a bit that people will come to church more frequently during Lent than in Easter. Why is that? Certainly by the time we get to Easter, spring is in the air, the cherry blossoms are out, the sun shines later into the evening, and so thoughts turn to enjoying the nicer weather. But there must be more to it than that. It might be that it's easier for us to feel guilty than it is to know true Christian joy.

Certainly the pews are full on Easter - but maybe that too is out of obligation. Most Christians, or at least Lutherans, know that they ought to go to church on Easter at least. And it's a nice day - the smell of lilies, the white banners, paraments, and vestments, the special music, and hymns we know well and so sing easily. But at an Easter midweek service, it's a shadow of the midweek Holy Week services, and then the Sunday after Easter finds everything back to normal. AS THOUGH NOTHING HAPPENED.

Life moves on. Baseball season starts. Vacations get planned. Summer draws near.

But something did happen. Christ rose. Really. From the dead. It happened two millenia ago, but Easter comes so we might realize that His resurrection is a reality. And not just for Him, but also for us. In the future, when we are raised from the grave. But also now. "We were therefore buried with Him through Baptism into death," the Scripture says, "in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Something happened - for Christ and for us. If Lent was the call to repentance and to see anew the death of Jesus, then Easter is the call to the new life that is ours in the resurrection life of Jesus.

Life will still move on. Baseball season will still start. Vacations and summer will come and go.

But it won't be the same. Not if we take Easter seriously, just as seriously as Lent. For in Christ's victory, the devil was unmasked, shown to be a toothless lion. His fierce roar is impotent for those in Christ. In Christ victory, the grave was shown to be a gentle sleep; life, and not death, has the final word. And impacting us right now, today, is the truth not only that sins are forgiven, but need not be our master. We have a new Master, Christ, who leads us in the new life of righteousness. In that new life, nothing is the same ever again. SOMETHING DID HAPPEN. Christ rose. In the body. And now, all the days we have left in this body, we will walk with Him in newness of life. Not because we have to. Because we get to. Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory in our Lord JESUS Christ!

Memory Work and Readings for Judica (3-29-09)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Exodus 1:1-22
Mark 14:12-31

Monday:
Exodus 2:1-22
Mark 14:32-52

Tuesday:
Exodus 2:23—3:22
Mark 14:53-72

Wednesday:
Exodus 4:1-18
Mark 15:1-15

Thursday:
Exodus 4:19-31
Mark 15:16-32

Friday:
Exodus 5:1—6:1
Mark 15:33-47

Saturday:
Exodus 7:1-25
Mark 16:1-20


Bible Verse for Memorizing
I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle. (Psalm 39:1)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: The Lord’s Prayer
The Seventh Petition: But deliver us from evil.

What does this mean? We pray in this petition, in summary, that our Father in heaven would rescue us from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven.

Memory Work and Readings for Laetare (March 22)

Daily Readings
Sunday: 
Genesis 41:28-57
Mark 11:20-33

Monday: 
Genesis 42:1-34, 38
Mark 12:1-12

Tuesday: 
Genesis 43:1-28
Mark 12:13-27

Wednesday: 
Genesis 44:1-18, 32-34
Mark 12:28-44

Thursday: 
Genesis 45:1-20, 24-28
Mark 13:1-23

Friday: 
Genesis 47:1-31
Mark 13:24-37

Saturday: 
Genesis 49:29—50:7, 14-26
Mark 14:1-11



Bible Verse for Memorizing
Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. (St. Mark 13:33)



Small Catechism for Memorizing: The Lord’s Prayer
The Sixth Petition: And lead us not into temptation.

What does this mean? God tempts no one. We pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or mislead us into false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. Although we are attacked by these things, we pray that we may finally overcome them and win the victory.

Memory Work and Readings for Oculi (March 15)

Daily Readings 
Sunday:
Genesis 27:30-45; 28:10-22
Mark 9:1-13

Monday:
Genesis 29:1-30
Mark 9:14-32

Tuesday:
Genesis 35:1-29
Mark 9:33-50

Wednesday:
Genesis 37:1-36
Mark 10:1-12

Thursday:
Genesis 39:1-23
Mark 10:13-31

Friday:
Genesis 40:1-23
Mark 10:32-52

Saturday:
Genesis 41:1-27
Mark 11:1-19



Bible Verse for Memorizing
Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. (Ephesians 5:8-9)


Small Catechism for Memorizing:  The Lord’s Prayer  
The Fifth Petition: And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  

What does this mean? We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look at our sins, or deny our prayer because of them. We are neither worthy of the things for which we pray, nor have we deserved them, but we ask that He would give them all to us by grace, for we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment. So we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.

Memory Word and Readings for Reminiscere

Daily Readings
Sunday: 
Genesis 16:1-9; 15—17:22
Mark 6:1-3

Monday: 
Genesis 18:1-15
Mark 6:14-34

Tuesday: 
Genesis 21:1-21
Mark 6:35-56

Wednesday: 
Genesis 22:1-19
Mark 7:1-23

Thursday: 
Genesis 24:1-31
Mark 7:24-37

Friday: 
Genesis 24:32-52, 61-67
Mark 8:1-21

Saturday: 
Genesis 27:1-29
Mark 8:22-38



Bible Verse for Memorizing
This is the will of God, your sanctification. (1 Thessalonians 4:3)



Small Catechism for Memorizing:  The Lord’s Prayer
The Fourth Petition: Give us this day our daily bread.

What does this mean? God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.

What is meant by daily bread? Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.

Memory Work and Readings for Invocabit (March 1)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Genesis 4:1-26
Mark 2:18-28

Monday:
Genesis 6:1—7:5
Mark 3:1-19

Tuesday:
Genesis 7:11—8:12
Mark 3:20-35

Wednesday:
Genesis 8:13—9:17
Mark 4:1-20

Thursday:
Genesis 11:27—12:20
Mark 4:21-41

Friday:
Genesis 13:1-18
Mark 5:1-20

Saturday:
Genesis 15:1-21
Mark 5:21-43


Bible Verse for Memorizing
You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve. (St. Matthew 4:10)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: The Lord’s Prayer
The Third Petition: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

What does this mean? The good and gracious will of God is done even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also.

How is God’s will done? God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die. This is His good and gracious will.

President Kieschnick's remarks on the 2009 March for Life

The following is an excerpt from President Kieschnick February 2009 Letter to Pastors. You may view the entire letter here.

March for Life 2009

You may have read in other media about the Jan. 22 March for Life in Washington, D.C. The day began for me with worship at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Va., where I was privileged to preach to the assembly of believers who had gathered from numerous states for the occasion. I also was privileged to offer the opening prayer for the pre-march program/rally on the Mall in Washington. (The text of the prayer is online at www.lcms.org?14682.) I was amazed by the number of members of Congress who subsequently appeared on stage also as part of those activities and who spoke to the crowd about life issues--unapologetically, passionately, vigorously, and often biblically.

Among the crowd, which numbered in the hundreds of thousands, were members and friends of Lutherans For Life. Many of these wonderful Christian people have gathered in previous years as well to demonstrate their support for the sanctity of life from the moment of conception. From all accounts, they turned out in record numbers this year.

After the pre-march activities, I began the march itself near the front of the parade, along with other pre-march festivity participants. After walking a half hour or so, I waited on the curb for the critical mass of Lutherans For Life marchers to pass by so I could join them. As I waited, I was struck by the variety of age groups represented in the parade. There were children and young people, high-school age and below, and no small contingent of college students—including a group from Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon. There also were older adults, many gathered in congregational groups and led by their pastors, priests, and rabbis.

After quite some time waiting, we began to wonder when the LFL group would reach us. Making contact by cell phone, we discovered that the number of marchers was so great that even after nearly an hour had passed, our LFL group had not taken its first step toward the U.S. Supreme Court building, which marked the end of the march!

It was for me a quite memorable day that focused on a matter of great significance. For more information on the day’s events, see the online Reporter story at www.lcms.org?14703.

My dear brothers in Christ, I evangelically encourage you to write, preach, and teach about what God has to say about His precious gift of life!

Memory Work and Readings for Quinquagesima (February 22)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Job 17:1-26
John 7:14-31

Monday:
Job 18:1-21
John 7:32-53

Tuesday:
Job 19:1-12, 21-27
John 8:1-20

Wednesday:
Genesis 1:1-19
Mark 1:1-13

Thursday:
Genesis 1:20—2:3
Mark 1:14-28

Friday:
Genesis 2:4-25
Mark 1:29-45

Saturday:
Genesis 3:1-24
Mark 2:1-17


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! (St. Luke 18:38)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: The Lord’s Prayer
The Second Petition: Thy kingdom come.

What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also.

How does God’s kingdom come? God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.

Memory Work and Readings for Sexagesima (February 15)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Job 11:1-20
John 5:19-29

Monday:
Job 13:1-6, 12-25
John 5:30-47

Tuesday:
Job 13:1-12
John 6:1-21

Wednesday:
Job 13:13-28
John 6:22-40

Thursday:
Job 14:1-22
John 6:41-59

Friday:
Job 15:1-23, 30-35
John 6:60-71

Saturday:
Job 16:1-22
John 7:1-13



Bible Verse for Memorizing
The [seed] that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. (St. Luke 8:15)



Small Catechism for Memorizing:  The Lord’s Prayer
The First Petition: Hallowed be Thy name.

What does this mean? God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also.

How is God’s name kept holy? God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in it’s truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to God’s Word profanes the name of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father!

Sunday: 
Job 5:1-27
John 2:13-25

Monday: 
Job 6:1-13
John 3:1-21

Tuesday: 
Job 6:14-30
John 3:22—4:6

Wednesday: 
Job 7:1-21
John 4:7-26

Thursday: 
Job 8:1-22
John 4:27-45

Friday: 
Job 9:1-35
John 4:46-54

Saturday: 
Job 10:1-22
John 5:1-18



Bible Verse for Memorizing
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. (1 Corinthians 9:24)


Small Catechism for Memorizing
The Lord’s Prayer
 
The Introduction: 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.