We begin a series of seven reflections dedicated to the seven petitions of the “Our Father” prayer. This prayer, given to us by Jesus Himself, is a summary of the entire Gospel and the most perfect of prayers (CCC 2774). For centuries, it has been at the heart of Christian prayer life and remains an essential part of the liturgy. It is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, albeit in slightly different versions. The version we commonly recite in modernized Polish, dating back to the 16th century, is derived from the Gospel of Matthew. The “Our Father” and the Decalogue are very similar because both are founded on the commandment to love God and one’s neighbor.
The first word of this prayer – “Father” – contains the whole history of salvation. In the Old Testament, God reveals Himself as the Creator and Father of His people, giving them life. In the New Testament, we discover the fullness of the Father through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He teaches us to pray to God as our Father and to entrust everything to Him. When we say “Our Father,” we refer to the New Covenant, communion with the Holy Trinity, and the love that encompasses the entire world (CCC 2801).
Our Father, who art in heaven…
