Orthodox Christians understand the beginning of the prayer "Our Father, who art in heaven" as a multifaceted address that simultaneously elevates the believer’s thoughts toward the Divine and underscores the universality of God’s fatherhood.

Heavenly Unity in Prayer

Orthodox Christians understand the beginning of the prayer "Our Father, who art in heaven" as a multifaceted address that simultaneously elevates the believer’s thoughts toward the Divine and underscores the universality of God’s fatherhood. On one hand, this phrase encourages detachment from the distractions of earthly life and an aspiration toward the eternal, heavenly reality where God’s true grace is revealed. As noted in one interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer, “In praying to our Father who dwells in heaven, we thereby direct our thoughts upward, breaking away from earthly distractions” (source: link txt).

On the other hand, the specific form of address—“Our Father” rather than “My Father”—plays a crucial role in maintaining a sense of fraternal community among believers. This phrasing reminds us that God is the Father of all, urging us to love one another and to see every fellow citizen as a spiritual brother. As one source explains, “You do not say: My Father, but ‘Our Father’, because you should regard everyone as a brother, children of one Father” (source: link txt).

Liturgically, this phrase holds a central place, setting the tone for the entire prayer service. By indicating the transcendence of the Divine, it does not confine God to a specific locale but rather guides believers to seek higher spiritual ideals and eternal life. This understanding is reinforced by other authors who emphasize that “By saying ‘who art in heaven’, the Lord points to the transcendence of the Divine, lifting our prayerful thoughts from the earth to heavenly heights” (source: link txt).

Thus, the essence of the prayer’s opening lies in its reference to the Divine Fatherhood, which unites all believers, inspires them toward spiritual ascension, and serves as a reminder of the higher ideals one should strive for in the liturgical practice of the Orthodox tradition.

Supporting citation(s):
"‘Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come...’ In our striving towards God, we must recognize our simultaneous nearness and distance. In praying to our Father who dwells in heaven, we thus direct our thoughts upward, breaking away from earthly distractions." (source: link txt)

"You do not say: My Father, but ‘Our Father’, because you should regard everyone as a brother, children of one Father." (source: link txt)

"By saying ‘who art in heaven’, the Lord indicates to us the transcendence of the Divine, lifting our prayerful thoughts from the earth to heavenly heights." (source: link txt)