Our Father Part 1

OBJECTIVE

In this module, students will gain a deep understanding of the Our Father Prayer by looking at how the prayer is constructed and what each part means. This prayer has 4 parts or themes so in week 1, students will look at the first few lines in the prayer which reflect the relationship and faith we have with the Lord and the recognition of the Almighty God.

INTRODUCTION - 15 Minutes

When the disciples asked our Lord to "teach us to pray," Luke 11:1 this is what He gave them. It's been said for 2,000 years at every moment. It may seem simple, but it isn't, because it ultimately calls us to the highest Lord.

Ask students:

  • Why do we say this prayer, and when is it important to do so throughout the day/week?
    • Expect answers such as right when we wake up, before sleeping, eating, etc.
  • How many times do we say this prayer during the Divine Liturgy?
    • Surprisingly only a few times. When is the most important time? (The one right after Fraction, in preparation before Holy Communion.)

Emphasize how Our Father prayer is part of each of our prayers, not only Agpeya, but the way we always conclude our personal prayers. Even when we pray with other Christians (non-Orthodox) this is our common prayer. It is Apostolic and was the first universal prayer. Thus, it is a template for all our prayers. Learning this prayer phrase by phrase is beneficial for us in many ways.

CONTENT (Key Points)- 25 Minutes

"Our Father"

This is a salutation which is both an appeal and an affirmation. Here, we find the meaning of love and the experience of joy. The beauty of this prayer is the joy and possibility of calling God "Father." To regard our Lord as our Father is a priceless gift. To reflect on the idea that we can combine the two words "Our" and "Father" reveals intimacy, love, and a joyful union; that there is already communion with Him in love, unity, and trust.

This relationship is the beginning of knowing God in eternity. For Christ Himself said to the Father "For this is eternal life, that they would know you." (John 17:3) This salutation is therefore not only the beginning, but the foundation of the prayer.

"Who art in heaven"

Here the prayer helps lift our minds to heaven. This is the faith of man in the divine love embracing the whole world. This reflects our faith in heaven and that we seek heaven as our eternal home.

"Hallowed be Thy Name"

Following the joyful salutation, we say this part. This is the cry of the one who has seen and recognized God and knows that only in Him can we find complete joy and fulfillment. Through this petition, we ask that everything in the world, beginning with my own life, my words and deeds, be a reflection of this sacred Name. May everything be filled with divine wisdom and divine love. It is also a petition for help. Everything in me seeks a new life. Even though we will struggle and have temptation, we will find joy when we live out these words. When we experience God, our whole life is transformed.

DISCUSSION/APPLICATION (Action) - 10 Minutes

Questions to be used for discussion:

  1. Why do you think it's significant the prayer begins with these words?
  2. Why do you think it starts with "Our" and not "My"?
  3. Why do you think we say "who art in heaven" when we already know God is in heaven?
  4. Why do you think we don't start with full praise at the beginning of the prayer?
  5. When in the liturgy does the shift happen where when say "We believe" rather than "I believe"?

CONCLUSION - 10 Minutes

This prayer is the foundation of our faith. It requires that we recognize who we love and worship. It's broken down in a way that we first must acknowledge that the Lord is great, that He is in heaven watching over us, and that we need to direct our eyes, faith, and lives by looking up and seeking Him. Even though this prayer is a personal prayer, it's important to recognize that God speaks to us communally. We can say this prayer alone or with other members of our families or church because we pray it together as one.

ACTIVITY - 10 Minutes

Using the attached activity, have students only complete the first part of the handout. Each week, they will fill out a section that matches the part of the lesson. Allow students to share their responses at the beginning of the following lesson*.*

RESOURCES

LESSON ATTACHMENTS

Grade 6 Week 1 Activity (Spirituality).pdf