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Approaching God as Your Father




Question: How do I approach God in prayer?

Short Answer:  Approach the throne of grace boldly. Be confident that as your Father, He wants to help you, and, as your God, He can.


What the Bible Says

Jesus told us to begin our prayers by approaching God as our Father. The remainder of what we know as The Lord’s Prayer essentially tells us to honor the name of the Lord and trust in Him. However, our heart posture in doing so should be one that seeks an intimate relationship. Why? Because believing in God as our Father recognizes that we understand how He sees Himself in relation to us (Jeremiah 31:9). When we see God for who He truly is, we’re better able to trust in Him rather than our worldly desired outcomes.


What do you do with this?

Scripture doesn’t tell us that we’ll get everything we want, and getting what we want is not the purpose of prayer. Prayer connects us to God as our Father, who is wholly deserving of our trust. We are to approach Him with the confidence - the expectation - that He is a loving Father who wants to be our personal help. If it’s difficult for you to imagine God as a loving Father (or imagine a loving father at all) but you want you, begin by listening to the testimonies of others who have truly experienced a personal connection with Him. Romans 10:17 tells us that "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." As we hear what He's done for and with others, we begin to desire those same experiences more deeply for ourselves (Romans 2:4). When you don't know where to begin in prayer, ask Him to help you overcome your belief (Mark 9:24). Then, simply repeat the words of Jesus: 

 Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

 

Relevant Scripture

  • Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
  • Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. (Matthew 6: 9-13)
  • So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

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