APR 15

Matthew 6:5-13
Memorise Ephesians 3:14
“our Father which art in heaven…”

We pray to the one living and true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, that whosoever believeth in Him should not die, but have everlasting life. But how do we address Him?

We take our example from the Lord Jesus Christ. During His days on earth, Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, in a unique relationship to the heavenly Father, prayed and addressed God with the word “Father”. “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes; even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight” (Matthew 11:25-26). The term “Father” then, was the one, which Christ familiarly used, in living and dying, and which, evidently, was exceeding precious to Him. When Jesus died on the cross for us, He made it possible for believers to come into the same relationship with God. Together with the gift of the Holy Spirit, He had made it possible for believers to come boldly to God’s throne and address Him as “Father” in our prayers.

Thus New Testament saints like Paul had always bowed their knees “unto the Father” (Ephesians 3:14). James too, when he blessed God, addressed his praise to the Father (James 3:9). Peter did the same (1 Peter 1:3). This address came to be used by the saints, especially in prayer, to express infinite reverence, tenderness and gratitude.

How can we ever begin to thank God that He makes us worthy to be His sons to call Him “our heavenly Father”? As we struggle with the stress and strain of life, may we ever remember that our Father in heaven is pleased when we come to Him in prayer. Dearest teen, nothing is too big or small, important or unimportant, to bring to God our heavenly Father in prayer. Go to Him as you begin the day, as you end the day and for every moment in between.

Thought: Pray without ceasing.
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, thank You for Your boundless grace that took a poor sinner like me and saved me.