This section of Calvin's discussion of the Lord's Prayer centers on one great truth: Christians pray with confidence because God is truly their Father in Christ. Calvin explains that we approach God only through Christ, whose sonship becomes ours by adoption, giving us the right to call God “Father.” He then addresses the fear many believers feel because of their sin, reminding us that God's mercy exceeds even the greatest earthly father's compassion. From there Calvin turns outward, emphasizing that the prayer begins with “Our Father,” teaching us that prayer is never merely private but binds us to the entire family of God. Even when we pray for particular needs, our hearts should remain connected to the broader fellowship of believers. Finally, Calvin explains the phrase “which art in heaven,” not as a statement about God's location, but as a r ...