The Catechism of the Catholic Church in Question and Answer Form

Questions and Answers

2823. Why do we “dare” to say the Our Father? (CCC 2777) We “dare” to say the Our Father, because a sinner would not dare to call God ‘Father’, if he were not animated by power from on high.

2824. How is the power of the Spirit called who introduces us into the Our Father? (CCC 2778) The power of the Spirit who introduces us into the Our Father is called parrhesia, straightforward simplicity, filial trust, joyous assurance, humble boldness.

2826. Why can we invoke God as Father? (CCC 2780-2782) We can invoke God as Father, because:
1. Christ has revealed God as His Father.
2. God has adopted us as His children in Christ.

2827. What two dispositions should praying to our Father develop in us? (CCC 2784-2785) Praying to our Father should develop in us:
1. the desire to become like God the Father
2. a humble and trusting heart.

2828. What does “Our” Father mean? (CCC 2786-2792) “Our” Father means:
1. the new and eternal covenant of ‘our’ God
2. the new communion of God and men in the Church.

2829. Why is the covenant contained in the formulation “Our” Father? (CCC 2787) The covenant is contained in the formulation “Our” Father, because the “our” expresses the fact that “our” Father and “His” people belong to each other.

2831. Why does praying the Our Father leave individualism behind? (CCC 2792) Praying the Our Father leaves individualism behind, because the “our” at the beginning and the “us” of the last four petitions excludes no one.

2832. How does St Augustine apply “who art in heaven” to the hearts of the baptised? (CCC 2794) St Augustine applies “who art in heaven” to the hearts of the baptised by saying that God dwells also in them, as in His holy temple.