top
Christian Living Our Father Heidelberg Catechism

Our Father Heidelberg Catechism

Question 120. Why has Christ commanded us to address God thus: Our Father?

To awaken in us, at the very beginning of our prayer, that filial reverence and trust toward God, which are to be the ground of our prayer; namely, that God has become our Father through Christ, and will much less deny us what we ask of Him in faith, than our parents refuse us earthly things.

Gal. 4:6. Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Matt. 7:9–11. What man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?

1 Pet. 1:17. Isa. 63:16. Eph. 3:14, 15.

Question 121. Why is it added: Who art in Heaven?

That we may have no earthly thought of the heavenly majesty of God; and may expect from His almighty power all things necessary for body and soul.

Acts 17:24, 25. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.

Rom. 10:12. The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him.[1]


[1] Heidelberg Catechism, Heidelberg Catechism, Revised Edition. (Cleveland, OH: Central Publishing House, 1907), 126–127.

About author

Thomas Rickard serves as the minister of Seven Springs Presbyterian Church in Glade Spring, VA, and as the Stated Clerk of Westminster Presbytery. He is also a professor at Graham Bible College in Bristol, VA. Thomas holds an M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC. Originally from Australia, he moved to the United States to marry his beloved wife, Sarah. Together, they have four children. Thomas enjoys tackling projects, reading, and spending quality time with his family.

Where to find us

Chapel

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur elit sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt.
a