The Lord's Prayerنموونە

Our Father in Heaven

It was a funny thing for me when I realised just how much I needed my parents. Before moving to university, I had never given this much thought. Once I had made that big leap, however, I realised many things.

I firstly realised that I needed their guidance about everything – from how to do my laundry, to replacing a light bulb, to checking over my essays, to relationship queries.

I also realised just how available they made themselves to be for me. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I would call them, and they were always ready to everything to listen to me and to help me. It became evident that I had this 24/7 access to them precisely because they were my parents. They loved me so much that they were always available.

Dear friend, this is the kind of God we have.

He is not far away, but close.

He is not standoffish, but approachable.

He is not unavailable, but available 24/7.

And we really, really need Him to be our Father - to be our dad.

Jesus tells us that when we pray, we are to call God, “Our Father in heaven”. The right kind of prayer comes to God as a Father.

Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, we are now called children of God. Romans 8:15 reminds us that we have been adopted into God’s family, and now we get to call God, “Abba! Father!”

The word “Abba” is the term for ‘father’ in Aramaic (the language that Jesus spoke). It would have been uncomfortable for the Jews to have heard Jesus saying this, as this term was considered too intimate to be used for God. But Jesus was outrightly declaring that God was His Father! He tells us to do the same.

When we pray to God acknowledging Him as our Abba Father, it shows that we recognise to whom we pray. It shows that we understand that we have a privileged title as children of God, and that we therefore have a privileged relationship with God.

This word ‘father’ may carry baggage and pain for you because of your experience of your earthly father. But, may I encourage you dear friend, that your heavenly Father is good. He is so good. He is perfect. He loves you, and He will always be there for you.

So, when you pray, pray to God as your Father. He is always available and always ready to help and guide you in both the big things and in the small.

Reflection:

Is there a worry, a desire, or a query you need help with from Your heavenly Father today?

Prayer:

Lord God,

I approach You today as my heavenly Father, my dad, my Abba. Father, You are perfect, You are good, You are always there for me. Thank You for that.

Father, from today, I pray that our relationship as Father and son/daughter will deepen. I pray that You would show me more about what it means that You are my Father, and that I am Your son/daughter.

Today, I bring to You all of my worries, my desires, and my queries, especially __________. Father, I know that You hear me when I pray and that You care about me, so I ask for Your help and guidance today.

In Your mighty name, amen.