Prayer begins with a simple yet profound recognition: God is your Father. Jesus taught us to start our prayers recognizing God as “Our Father…” (Matthew 6:9). This isn’t just a ritual—it’s an invitation to relationship. Prayer isn’t about impressing a distant deity; it’s about connecting with the Almighty, the Creator of the universe, who also happens to be your loving Father.
Recognizing God as Father doesn’t diminish His power or majesty. He is still omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, and omnibenevolent. What it does do is shift our perspective. When we approach God as our Father, we can set aside anxiety about saying the right words or trying to “earn” His attention. Instead, we come with the confidence that He is willing and able to hear us.
Praying to God as Father reminds us that we are part of His family. We are not outsiders, and we have equal access to Him. Sometimes, we hesitate to pray because we feel unworthy, thinking we are not spiritual enough or not “good” enough. But in God’s kingdom, no one is inferior or superior.
Praying to God as Father reminds us that we are part of His family.
Being God’s child means we have His nature within us. He has given us the Spirit of His Son to guide us in living as His children. Many of us, however, still approach God like beggars or slaves, feeling we must earn everything. But the truth is, we already carry God’s DNA—we are children of the Most High, authorized by Him to belong to His family (John 1:12-13). The Spirit He has given us is there to teach us how to live from that identity.
Praying to God as Father reminds us of His love—an everlasting, lavish love. He sees us as He sees Jesus, and He delights in us. Just like a child can run to their father as they are, we can approach God openly and honestly, confident that His heart, ears, and hands are ready to receive us.
Praying to God as Father reminds us of His love—an everlasting, lavish love. He sees us as He sees Jesus, and He delights in us.
Praying to our Father also reminds us that He knows what’s best for us. Even when we ask imperfectly, the Holy Spirit works with our prayers to align them with God’s will. So, He gives us bread instead of stone, fish instead of snake and egg instead of scorpion. Sometimes, His answer might not be what we expect, but always for our good. So pray freely, and trust God to work in ways beyond what we can imagine according to the counsel of His will.
Prayer isn’t a transaction or a slot machine for blessings. Jesus wants more than making requests—He wants us to have relationship with our Father. Prayer is about fellowship, presence, and belonging. It’s about connecting with God, not just collecting answers.
The next time you pray, remember: you are speaking to your Father, who loves you and delights in you. Start by listening as much as asking. Approach Him not just for what you want, but to understand His heart. In doing so, prayer becomes not only a practice but a profound encounter with the One who calls you His child.
Prayer: Thank You for calling us Your children. Thank You that we can come to You freely, without fear or hesitation, knowing You delight in us. Help us to approach You not just with requests, but with hearts ready to listen, hearts open to Your love and guidance.
