“Our Father in Heaven!” Matthew 6:9

This is the “golden gate” of the temple of prayer!

When our Lord taught His disciples how to pray, it was thus He said they should begin. They were not to come to infinite power, or to unknowable mystery, or to inaccessible light – but to tender Fatherhood! This precious name of “Father” at the gateway makes the approach to God easy and sure.

The name “Father” assures us of Divine love and care. Does a true parent have care for his child? Much more does our Father in Heaven care for His children on the earth! He even cares for the birds – feeding them their daily food. He even cares for the flowers – weaving, with colorful threads, the lovely robes which they wear. And He surely cares much more for His children! So the precious name of “Father” assures us that we shall never be neglected nor overlooked in this great world.

The name “Father” also gives us the assurance of unhindered access to the Divine presence. The children of a great earthly king are not kept waiting at their father’s door, as strangers are. And in the same way, God’s sons and daughters have perfect liberty in His presence. They can never come at an inconvenient hour. He is never too busy to see them and to listen to their words of love and prayer! In the midst of the innumerable affairs of the vast universe, He still thinks of His lowliest child! Amidst all the confusion and noise of this great world, He hears and recognizes the faintest cry that rises from the lips of the least and lowliest of His little ones.

The name “Father” also interprets for us the grace and mercy of our God. We are always conscious of sin. How, then, can we gain access to a holy God? Ah! He is our Father! We know that even an earthly father does not shut the door on his poor erring child. The candle is left burning in the window through the long dark nights, so that the wanderer out in the blackness – who is longing to return – may see the bright beams and be assured of love and a waiting welcome. Infinitely more gracious is “our Father in heaven!”

How does it make you feel to know that you have a Father in heaven Who is never too busy to listen to you speak to Him, Who never neglects you despite His care of the whole universe, and Who loves and welcomes you home even when you wander from His presence? 

Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and reflections, or to ask a question, in the Comments section below!  

God bless you and your family, this day and always.

All for the King’s glory,

Christian

photo by Lightbox on Lightstock.com

This post is another installment of Miller’s Monday Musings, a weekly series that is published every Monday on our website. The series features selected writings that have been adapted from the works of James Russell Miller (1840-1912), a much-beloved Christian author and pastor who is well-remembered for his practical thoughts on Christian home and family life. Learn more about this weekly series by clicking here.