You can talk to your Father!

Luke 11:1-2a

“One day, Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: “ ‘Father,…’”

Jesus could have told us to address God in all sorts of ways: “O Almighty One,” “O All-Knowing One,” “O Triune God,” etc. He didn’t.

Instead, he told his disciples to say, “Father.” Why so? Perhaps it’s because he wants us to remember that we have a wonderful relationship with God! Because Jesus, our brother, paid for our sins, God can now adopt us into his “family,” and deal with us the way a good father deals with beloved children.

Oh, what confidence that gives us in our prayers! Will my dear Father listen to me? Of course! Will he answer me? Of course! Will he always give me what I want? Of course not, just like a good earthly father often says “no” to his children’s requests, but the father knows that it wouldn’t be good for the children.

And so pray, dear Christian! Sure, you can address God in ways other than “Father.” Use whatever words you want!

But use “Father” often, that you might be reminded of the wonderful relationship that you have with your heavenly, eternal Father.

Thankful for my Father, just like you,

pastor