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Longer Catechism

St Philaret of Moscow, in Blackmore, 1845

Part 2, 4. On the Invocation

Q. How dare we call God Father?

A. By faith in Jesus Christ, and by the grace of regeneration.

As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John i. 12, 13.

Q. Must we say, Our Father, even when we pray alone?

A. Certainly we must.

Q. Why so?

A. Because Christian charity requires us to call upon God, and ask good things of Him, for all our brethren, no less than for ourselves.

Q. Why in the invocation do we say, Who art in heaven?

A. That, entering upon prayer, we may leave every thing earthly and corruptible, and raise our minds and hearts to what is heavenly, everlasting, and Divine.