A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

We now come to speak of the Possessive Particle, [Our] Father. The Word is used for a double Reason: 1. To comfort us in the Sense of our Interest in God. 2. To mind us of the common Interest of all the Saints in the same God: It is not my, or thy Father only, but our Father.

First; Observe the great Condescension of Christ, that poor Creatures are allowed to claim an Interest in God. If Christ had not put these Words in our Mouths, we never had had Boldness to have gone to God, and said, Doubtless, thou art our Father. But he which was in the Bosom of God, and knew his Secrets, hath told us, it is very pleasing to God, we should use this Compellation to him. This is a Privilege which cannot be sufficiently valued, if we consider, 1. The Unworthiness of the Persons which enjoy it; poor Dust and Ashes, sinful Creatures, that were Children of the Devil, that we should lay Claim and Title to God for our Father! And, 2. If we consider the Greatness of the Privilege it self: O behold what manner of Love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called his Children! 1 John 3. 1. We think it much, when we can say, This Field, this House is mine; but surely this is more, to say, this God is mine.

Again; Observe here, That Interest is a ground of Audience. So Christ would have us begin our Prayers, Our Father; God's Interest in us, and our Interest in God. God's Interest in us: When Christ mediates for his Disciples, he saith, Joh. 17. 6. ⟨p. 105⟩Thine they were, and thou gavest them me. And David, Psal. 119. 94