Seeds of Wisdom

RECOGNISING GOD AS YOUR FATHER

Matthew 6:9 - “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father, who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.”

Prayer begins with acknowledging God as your Father who has the resources to meet your needs. The term "Father" is commonly used in prayer, but it was uncommon in Christ's time. People who worshipped false gods saw them as distant, impulsive, and immoral beings. Even the Jewish people, who should have understood God's fatherhood, removed themselves from His Fatherly care through sin and apostasy. Consequently, God seemed remote to them. Against that backdrop, Christ's teaching was revolutionary. He proclaimed God as a caring and gracious Father who desires intimate fellowship with His children. That fellowship can come only through faith in the Son. Beyond that, Jesus revealed the Father's character in everything He said and did. When Philip asked Jesus to show him the Father, Jesus replied, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9).

Jesus also proclaimed God as a Father who has all the treasures of heaven at His disposal and who makes them available to His children so they might glorify Him. He is our source of everything and sustainer. “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. That is why you should cast your burden on Him. Do not be anxious then... but seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all [you need] will be added to you" (Matthew 6:8, 31, 33). Your faith in Christ is what makes God your Heavenly Father. He loves you, listens to your prayers, and supplies your needs according to His abundant resources. Look to Him today and live as a thankful, obedient child.

Further Reading: Matthew 6:17–34, 6:1–15, 7:7-9, Philippians 4:1–9

Prayer: Pray that God, as your father, would meet all your needs.