To address God as “Father” (Aramaic Abba) is the cornerstone of prayer which gives us our “Christian identity.” In praying, we always begin with the word “Father,” and it comes with the awareness that we are his children, and that we have a Father who loves us and knows all of our needs.

To say “Our Father” is an acknowledgment that we have the same filial relationship with Jesus to one Father; it is Jesus who gives us this Christian identity, and joins us to God’s family.

The additional word “Our” makes us realize that we are brothers and sisters; we are family. At the same time, in every petition there is the collective consciousness of solidarity, so that we plead: give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And since we are children of the same Father, how can we remain angry and hate each other? Although among siblings there are inevitable bickerings, yet there is constant forgiveness and acceptance of each other.

Pope Francis gives this advice: “If you go to pray and say only ‘Father’—thinking of the One who gave you life, who gives you your identity and loves you; and you say ‘our’—forgiving everyone, forgetting offences: this is the best prayer that you can make” (June 16, 2016).

Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“This is how you are to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

“If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”