And now we BEGIN…by directing our focus on God from whom all things BEGAN. The King James Version of Matthew 6:9 regally states:
“Our Father who art in heaven.”
Our prayers are first directed to our FATHER in Heaven. While there are many aspects of God we could focus on, Jesus directs us in prayer to God’s FATHERHOOD. For many people who did not have a father, or maybe had a father who was far from perfect—our tendency is to project our father’s deficiencies onto God. (Not picking on dads—we mothers have plenty of deficiencies too.) We need to be in a frame of mind to approach God as HIS CHILD—so we are able to come before Him in the confidence of knowing that we are completely loved.
Bible verses explaining what God said about His fatherhood will be used to remind us of WHO He is as OUR FATHER. Developing a deep awareness and appreciation for this relationship is foundational because it optimizes our heart for prayer. [We are firing up the engine instead of pushing the car.] The prayers that follow are taken directly from God’s Word—so we are enabled to accurately pray about who God IS rather than—who we think He is. As you pray God’s Word more and more, will see how it empowers your prayers.
It’s so exciting!
Before we begin, let me explain how this is structured. At the beginning of each prayer paragraph, I used paraphrases of scripture about the Fatherhood of God; and while they are in quotations, they are not necessarily exact quotes. I’ve really tried to focus on the single thought of God as our Father. (You see, He’s so wonderfully multidimensional it would be very easy to pray in many directions!) After the quote, I’ve written a flow of prayer God gave me in order to demonstrate how this becomes powerfully personal.
You are welcome to pray in my flow; however, if you ask God to teach you, He will give you your own. [I often ask God to teach me to pray.] It’s like learning a language—you can always get better. Of course, the difference is, we are communicating with GOD, who is far more wise than us, so—we are in constant need of teaching. 😁 Also, I encourage you to pray out loud because in order to speak, your mind has to stay engaged and focused and—if you have a squirrel brain like me—you will be quickly off to the office or making your grocery list.
Let’s begin to pray powerfully!!!
My Father in Heaven…
“You, oh Lord, are my FATHER; my Redeemer. Your name has been from everlasting.” (Isaiah 63:16) You are my Father, who committed to rescue me—when no one else would or could. Oh, how costly was my redemption to You; but, You, my Father, thought I was worth it. Thank you. You are always watching over me and planning for my future. You loved me when I was formed in my mother’s womb. Your redemption provides a refuge from everything I fear. Your love enfolds me.
Therefore, I will trust in You, my Father.
“For though there are many that are called gods…You, my FATHER, are the one from whom all things consist.” (1 Corinthians 8:5-6) Oh Father, let me look to none other than You for all my needs. For there is no one who LOVES me like You do. There is none who KNOWS me like You. There is none more powerful and wise upon the earth. When I am close to You, there is nothing I desire more than You.
Therefore, I worship and adore You, my Father.
“Blessed be God, even the FATHER of our Lord Jesus Christ, the FATHER of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our tribulation.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) Oh, how perfect and rich is your love to me, my dearest Father, that you would redeem me and call me Your child. Father, You made me part of the most perfect family and I want for nothing. When thunderstorms shake my world, I am like a child safely hidden in your Almighty arms. Evil is no match for You. You are my refuge. You will never leave me or forsake me. Ah, the immeasurable comfort of my Almighty Abba!
Therefore, my soul rests in Your arms, my Father.
“Behold what manner of love the FATHER has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (I John 3:1) Oh, Father, help me to comprehend the height, and depth, and breadth, and length of your great love. (Ephesians 3:18) When the enemy calls me by my sins, I know You call me by my name. I am Your beloved child. You look upon my born-again spirit and you see the pure essence of Your own dear Son. I irrevocably belong to You and no one can snatch me from your hand. Your love buried my transgressions as far as the east is from the west. Your love is not fickle—it is forever.
Therefore, I find my greatest love in You, my Father.
You are my Father in Heaven; and therefore, unto You, do I lift up my soul!
This just scratches the surface of the many verses describing God as our Father. Yet, do you see how acknowledging God as our Father—according to what the Bible says about Him—is vastly different than praying to God based on who WE think He is? God is not a tyrant, He is not senile, He is not impotent. He won’t abandon us, He won’t abuse us. He is not cruel, He is not out of touch, etc.
God is very much in touch. He is all about love-relationships. He is the Father who understands our needs. God knows us better than anyone else does. Tomorrow we are going to explore…
“…Hallowed be Thy Name..”
Matthew 6:9
You will be surprised and delighted by what we discover!
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Out Now – Essential Faith, Volume II. Find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
4 Responses
I enjoy reading Kim’s devotions. They are an inspiration to me and my family. I appreciate receiving them.
Thank you Shirley! God be praised!