In my desire to be accepted and feel worthy of the Lord’s love I started praying “My” Father in heaven… This was based on the following scripture: Romans 8:15-16 “For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”
This made me feel pretty good to know that God was my Father and I was His son. As I was praying this a while back the following conversion took place:
Still small voice (SMV): “Are you leaving someone out?”
Me: “What do you mean?”
SMV: “You are praying ‘My’ Father”
Me: “But you are ‘my’ Father – Romans 8:15 says “I cry Abba Father – you are my Father and I am your child.”
SMV: “Read the next verse.”
Me: “OK” – “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Romans 8:17)
SMV: “You are my son – my heir and you are a joint-heir with my son Jesus”
Me: “Wow – we are both your sons so we are brothers!” “Wow!”
SMV: “How did my Son teach you to pray this prayer?”
Me: “Our Father” – Wow! Thank you, thank you – now I know that I am accepted by you. Thank you, thank you, thank you Our Father.”
I know that Our Father wants us to be in a close, loving, family relationship with Him. I believe that’s why Jesus said “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:13-14)
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
That’s what we want our children to do when they have a need.
-Bill Stockham