In this episode of Year on the Mountaintop, we continue through the opening words of the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father who art in heaven.” After drawing us into intimate relationship with God as Father, Jesus reminds us that God is also holy, transcendent, and beyond creation. “In heaven” points to a God whose authority is not limited by geography, nations, or human power—a God who reigns over all creation and all people.

But Jesus doesn’t leave heaven distant from earth. The phrase “who art in heaven” sets up the petitions that follow: “Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” This is a prayer for the holiness, reign, and will of God to become visible in our world. As we explore this part of the Lord’s Prayer, we’ll consider the biblical vision of God’s kingdom, the coming of heaven to earth through Christ and the Spirit, and the invitation for us to participate in making our world reflect God’s kingdom community.