The Our Father Dimension
Our Father . . . The first emphasis in Jesus’ instruction was to start prayer from the “Our Father” position of a 
son to his father. This places priority on relationship rather than protocol and on heritage rather than hierarchy. Relationship assures us we can be confident of acceptance when we approach Him personally, face to face. Lack of relationship (1) leaves us unsure and at a distance, (2) a questionable guest in the throne room or (3) a needy outsider having to beg. Coming face to face is about knowing our Father well enough to see as He sees. If we don’t come face to face, we position ourselves on the peripheral where we are susceptible prey for misbeliefs about God. When men are too far away to really know Him as a son, they are more apt to lean to their own understanding and create images from their own imagination and experience, like the ancient Greeks did. The gods they created had so many human flaws that their supernatural powers over men were distorted to extremes by emotion and whim. If misbelief misrepresents God, it corrupts the potential and purpose of relationship and the motivation of the heart. Then there is no sonship and no “Our Father” entrance into the dimension of prayer Jesus taught.
(This is the third excerpt from Kathy’s article “Praying As Sons“ which was published in SEEC Magazine [Marty and Kathy’s ministry magazine]. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Previous excerpts may be read by scrolling down this page)
Kathy will be speaking at Kingdom Congress Mar.7-9, 2018 — NO FEE.
Marty and Kathy’s 11th Annual Congress * NO FEE
Kingdom Congress 2018
March 7-9, 2018
Worship, Prophetic Ministry, Impartation Service
Location: Grace International Church in Willis,TX www.graceic.org
Pray As Sons Who Reflect Their Father
While the most common understanding of prayer is an appeal or petition, I think The Lord’s Prayer illustrates a broader concept of prayer. I see it as a prayer of alignment with God’s Word and will and character, or a declaration of agreement with God’s order and principles and intent. If I viewed The Lord’s Prayer only as a petition, it would seem to be a formal format of how to properly ask for basic necessities. While there is nothing wrong with that, I think there is more life in it and more relationship demonstrated in His model prayer. This prayer takes on more dimension when it comes from a motive and priority to pray as sons who know and reflect their Father.
(This is the second excerpt from Kathy’s article “Praying As Sons“ which was published in SEEC Magazine [Marty and Kathy’s ministry magazine]. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Previous excerpts may be read by scrolling down this page)
Kathy will be speaking at the Kingdom Equipping Congress Mar.4-6, 2015 — NO FEE.
Marty and Kathy’s 11th Annual Kingdom Congress * NO FEE
Kingdom Congress 2018
March 7-9, 2018
Worship, Prophetic Ministry, Impartation Service
The Lord’s Prayer
As we read Matthew 6 and Luke 10, we find Jesus teaching the disciples to pray. The verses leading up to the actual prayer reveal firstly what prayer is not. Prayer is not practicing your righteousness before men. Prayer is not using surplus words trying to cover your bases. Prayer is not from any motive that would manipulate God or man. Then, Jesus gives directions to His disciples on how to communicate with the Father. His instruction becomes a model for us known as “The Lord’s Prayer”.
(This is the first excerpt from Kathy’s article “Praying As Sons“ which was published in SEEC Magazine [Marty and Kathy’s ministry magazine]. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.)
martygabler 