The first thing Christ offered to those who implored him, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1), was a priceless gift and consolation, a joy and inspiration: the possibility of calling God "Father". "Our Father" - here we find the meaning of love, and the answer to love. Here faith opens into trust, dependence yields to freedom and intimacy, and ultimately unfolds into joy. This is not an idea about God, but knowledge of God. This is already communion with God in love, in unity, and in trust. This is already the beginning of the knowledge of eternity. For Christ said, "This is eternal life, that they would know you" (John 17:3).
- Fr Alexander Schmemann
The first thing Christ offered to those who implored him, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1), was a priceless gift and consolation, a joy and inspiration: the possibility of calling God "Father". "Our Father" - here we find the meaning of love, and the answer to love. Here faith opens into trust, dependence yields to freedom and intimacy, and ultimately unfolds into joy. This is not an idea about God, but knowledge of God. This is already communion with God in love, in unity, and in trust. This is already the beginning of the knowledge of eternity. For Christ said, "This is eternal life, that they would know you" (John 17:3).
- Fr Alexander Schmemann