Have you ever wondered where you truly stand with God? Many of us have experienced that uncomfortable uncertainty in relationships – not knowing if someone cares about us or how they really feel. This same uncertainty can creep into our relationship with God, making it difficult to approach Him in prayer with confidence.
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Why Jesus Started the Lord’s Prayer with “Our Father”
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He didn’t begin with requests or petitions. Instead, He started with something profound: “Our Father in heaven.” This wasn’t just a polite greeting – it was a deliberate reminder of our relationship with God.
These simple words serve as a way to remove all the distractions and questions that might prevent us from approaching God. They answer the nagging doubts: “Is God mad at me? Does He even want to hear from me? Am I worthy of His attention?”
What Does It Mean to Call God “Father”?
Moving Beyond Earthly Father Experiences
For many of us, the word “father” might bring up complicated feelings. Perhaps your earthly father was absent, demanding, or even abusive. These experiences can color how we view God as Father.
But Jesus invites us to understand God not through the lens of flawed human fathers, but as the perfect example of what fatherhood was meant to be. God represents the ideal – a Father who delights in His children.
A Father Who Delights in His Children
Scripture paints a beautiful picture of God’s heart toward us. At Jesus’ baptism, God’s voice from heaven declared: “This is my dearly loved Son who brings me great joy” (Matthew 3:17). But this delight isn’t reserved only for Jesus.
Psalm 149 tells us that “the Lord takes delight in his people” – so much so that they “sing for joy on their beds.” This is the picture of children so happy in their father’s love that they can’t contain their joy, even at bedtime.
What Kind of Father Is God?
A Father Who Gives Good Gifts
Jesus reminds us that even imperfect earthly fathers know how to give good gifts to their children. “How much more,” He asks, “will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11:13).
This is a Father who wants the very best for His children and is eager to provide for them.
A Father Who Runs to Welcome Us Home
The parable of the prodigal son reveals perhaps the most beautiful picture of God’s fatherly heart. When the wayward son returns home, expecting to be treated as a servant, his father sees him “while he was still a long way off” and runs to embrace him.
This father doesn’t wait for an apology or proof of change. He runs – abandoning dignity and social expectations – because that’s his child coming home.
The Intimacy of “Abba, Father”
Paul tells us that through God’s Spirit, “we cry, ‘Abba, Father'” (Romans 8:15). The word “Abba” is an intimate term – like “Daddy” or “Papa.” This isn’t formal religious language; it’s the cry of a beloved child who knows they are safe and cherished.
When we begin our prayers with “Our Father,” we’re not just being polite. We’re reminding ourselves that we’re coming to someone who loves us deeply and is delighted to spend time with us.
How This Changes Everything About Prayer
Prayer Becomes Safe
When you know where you stand with someone – when you know they love you and are happy to see you – conversation becomes natural and unforced. You don’t have to wonder if you’re bothering them or if they’re disappointed in you.
Prayer Becomes Intimate
Instead of formal religious duty, prayer becomes like a child crawling into their father’s lap to talk about their day. It’s safe to share struggles, fears, and joys because you know you’re loved unconditionally.
Prayer Includes Others
Notice Jesus said “Our Father,” not “My Father.” This reminds us that we’re part of a family. Others around us – even those we might consider enemies – are also children whom the Father longs to embrace.
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to begin each prayer time by truly meditating on what it means to call God “Father.” Before rushing into requests or concerns, spend a few moments remembering that you’re approaching someone who delights in you, who has been waiting for this conversation, and who loves having you in His presence.
Consider these questions as you reflect on this truth:
- How does viewing God as a loving Father change the way I approach Him in prayer?
- What fears or hesitations do I need to release, knowing that God delights in spending time with me?
- How can I extend the same grace and love to others that my heavenly Father extends to me?
- Am I allowing past experiences with earthly authority figures to limit my understanding of God’s heart toward me?
Remember, every time you pray “Our Father,” you’re not just beginning a prayer – you’re stepping into the arms of someone who has been eagerly waiting for you to come home.