1. “Our Father” is only one way to address God. Descriptive word’s, which can be used to address God. Lord Almighty Gracious God Loving God Forgiving God Eternal God Creator Counsellor Refuge Sovereign King Spirit Transforming King of Kings, Lord of Lords Messiah Redeemer Omnipresent Healer Heavenly Father Abba Jehovah Jireh The Rock God of the Universe I am Prince of Peace Mother God El-Shaddai Yahweh Our God God of mercy God of Justice God of infinite Goodness Tolerant Understanding Loving Caring Reliable Eō (Maori) Our Shepherd Our provider Guide Friend Spirit Alpha and Omega Best Friend BFF for life Love Merciful Miracle Powerful Saviour Defender Protector Lord of Peace Master Maker Dear Jesus Eternal God Daddy

2. Revelation 21. ‘Look! God’s dwelling-place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”

3. ‘Prayer is not telling God what we think, or simply thanking him for his provision of food and drink. Rather it is our active, intentional effort to understand what God is doing and how we can join him. Thus through prayer we become coparticipants with God. God’s will sets everything in motion. Our will, directed by devotion and prayer, allows us to participate in his purposes.’ Quoted in Baab, Lynne M. Together: Spiritual Practices for Your Congregation (p. 175-6).

4. ‘What do we see inside ourselves? Many of us are afraid to even look. Our most natural prayer is “My Father in heaven, hallowed be my name, may my kingdom come, may my will be done on earth.” We’re afraid of God’s will being done because we can’t control what He will do, and what the outcome will be. God’s will requires surrender and trust and it’s something we’re unwilling to offer.‘

5. ‘Is it any wonder, then, that our primary question is: “What can Jesus do for me? Can he make me more prosperous, well-adjusted and peaceful?” … many of us act as if God works for us, functioning as our personal assistant when we need him. We, in effect use God, squeezing him into our image of what he should be like. P Scazzero Emotionally Healthy Spirituality 43.

6. What does your prayer life look like? Is it mainly focused on you? Is your focus on him? When you pray, who’s honour is at stake? Who’s name is being honoured? When you pray – your Kingdom come: are you willing to be a part of the answer to your prayer? What challenge is there in praying “your will be done?” Consider one situation in your life and one in the world for which you might simply hold up to God the prayer: “Your will be done” Your kingdom come, your will be done – really?