Luther’s Small Catechism

by Dr. Martin Luther
Introduction The Ten Commandments The Creed The Lord’s Prayer Means of Grace The Sacrament of Baptism Confession The Sacrament of the Altar Daily Prayers Table of Duties Christian Questions with Their Answers Luther’s Preface
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From Luther’s Small Catechism © 2019 Concordia Publishing House, cph.org

Explanation of The Introduction

Explanation of The Introduction

The Introduction

Our Father who art in heaven.

Our Father in heaven.

What does this mean?

With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father.

The Central Thought

 "I'll give prayer a chance. What could it hurt?" Sometimes people seek help from God as a last resort or as an act of desperation.

What does praying on the outside chance that it might work or only as a last resort say about someone's view of God? 

Read Luke 15:11--32, about the parable of the lost son. How is God portrayed here?

✠ As Christians, we confess that God welcomes us with open arms so that we can always approach Him in complete confidence as our dear Father on account of Christ, our Brother.

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