DRAWN, NOT DRAGGED

Part 4: “Who art in heaven”

After we say, “Our Father,” we continue: “Who art in heaven.” But we must be careful here. This does not mean God is “up there” somewhere—distant, far removed, looking down. In the original language, “heavens” is plural. It points not to location,
but to authority. God is not one being among many. He is the One over all: over every power, every authority, every force we can see or cannot see. He is, as the Creed says, the Maker of heaven and earth-.the Most High.

And yet— this Most High God is the One we dare to call: Abba-Father. This is only possible because of Jesus Christ. The One who calls God “Father” by nature draws us into that same relationship by grace. He does not simply show us God— He brings us into His own Life.

So, when we say, “Who art in heaven,” we are not pointing away from ourselves— we are being drawn deeper in. Because “heaven” is not a place. Heaven is the reality of God’s presence. Christ Himself says the Kingdom of God is within you. Through Baptism, the Holy Spirit dwells in us. Heaven begins now.

But we also know this: we do not always live there. We step out of that reality whenever we place ourselves first. Whenever we choose our will over God’s will. And so, this line of the prayer becomes a quiet turning: not dragged back— but drawn again.

To say, “Our Father, who art in heaven,” is to confess at once: God is above all…and yet He is not far from us. He is beyond all things… and yet present within us. Heaven is communion with God: begun now and fulfilled in glory! 

Question

Where am I living today— in the awareness of God’s presence…or outside of this awareness?

Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, draw me into Your presence, and keep my heart there. Teach me to live not as though You are far away, but as One who is near. Amen.

Fr. Ray Dobson
©2026