As Jesus began teaching His disciples how to pray, He instructed them to pray in this manner: Our Father, which art in heaven (Matthew 6:11). For all those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, God is our Father. But as many as received Him (Jesus Christ), to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name (John 1:12). As Heavenly Father, He showers us with His love, His protection, and His provision. His guiding hand is there to lead us ever closer to Him. Therefore, as His Children, we have an intimate relationship with God. Yet, as we recognize His closeness, we also need to consider His power and His might as our heavenly Father.
Our earthly Fathers, even the best, are limited at times. They may not always understand the secrets of our heart. Sometimes, they may get it wrong when they strive to guide us; because, they may misjudge the motives of our heart. Although, they might wish to give us the world; they are limited in their power to do so.
But that is not the case with our heavenly Father. When we pray, we need to remember this. Although God is so very near, He is also the Sovereign Creator and King of all. Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshipeth thee (Nehemiah 9:6). Know therefore this day, and consider it in thing heart, that the Lord He is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else (Deuteronomy 4:39). Our Father is all powerful; yet, loves us perfectly.
A Heavenly Father
Consider this. God, who reigns over all of heaven and earth, has provided the means for us to be adopted into His family as His children. Thereby, the almighty, all knowing God of the Universe has reached forth His hand of love to all who will accept His gift of salvation. Therefore, it is very important that we remember Who He IS, when we pray. He is the great I AM. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth….let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spake, and it was done; He commanded and it stood fast (Psalm 33:6,8-9).
Our Heavenly Father knows everything about us. He knows our every thought, the good and the bad. Yet He desires that we be filled with His Joy, hope and love. Our words are known to Him before we speak them; yet, He loves to hear our voice. With each tear we shed, He wraps His loving arms around us to comfort us, singing His lullaby song to comfort us. The Lord, thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17). If only we really knew and understood the depth of His love for us!
Just to Know our Heavenly Father, Now and Forever!
Our Heavenly Father has blessed us with this intimate relationship here and now; thus, providing for us every spiritual blessing. Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world. That we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself. According to the good pleasure of His will. To the praise of the glory of His grace. Where He hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:2-6)
Furthermore, our hope goes beyond the here and now, reaching into all of eternity. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (I Peter 1:3-5). Because it is His power that keeps us, never disinheriting us!
Beyond All That!
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven. If so be that being clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened. Not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon. That mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God. Who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:1-5).
There may be moments of sorrow here on this earth. And there are certainly times when I groan within me; because, I do not know how to love God as I should with all my heart, soul, and strength. All too often I stumble and fall as I take my eyes off Him. Yet always, my heavenly Father is there completing the work He began in me; because, He won’t let go of my hand. Therefore, my mortality will be swallowed up by His Life eternal!
For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And so, shall we ever be with the Lord (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)
Our Interceding Priest and Brother, Jesus Christ
And as we pray to our heavenly Father, remember this: For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true: but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us (Hebrews 9:24). Who is gone into heaven and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him (I Peter 3:21). It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (Romans 8:34).
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previous Posts
How Important is the Lord’s Prayer?
POEMS
An Intimate Prayer with My Heavenly Father
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnotes and Credits
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