Second in The Lord's Prayer Series, "The best prayer for times of stress"

Stopping to think: it was the only begotten son — the only divine child of the Father, who invited the ones he came to save to pray with him, "Our Father."

Only Jesus Christ was with God in the beginning (John 1:1), the one who made all things (John 1:3); who was the true Light of men (John 1:9); who gave men power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name (John 1:12). Those of us who have received him are now born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:13). And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. (John 1:16)

Reflecting further about this marvelous grace, John said, Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God… (I John 3:1a)

If you are tempted to feel you are alone, stop and consider: Jesus is your older brother. That is enough to calm any anxiety in your heart. A good older brother is a great comfort. Yes, Jesus loves you.

We should never see ourselves as unconnected, without a family, or without a purpose. You have a sister in North Korea who is starving in a prison camp; a brother in Egypt under a threat of death because he will not renounce his faith; a mother in Sweden who wants to take care of her family without government intervention; a brother in Mexico who will die today for his stand against gangs. Let us pray for our family!

The first word of the Lord's prayer reminds us we are not alone, and we can be sure that as we pray, we are heard on behalf of our family members, near and far. They are remembering us, too.

Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. (Mat 12:48b-50)

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