Father

Matthew 6:9 (NIVUK)

‘This, then, is how you should pray:
‘“Our Father in heaven…”’

The instant the midwife said “It’s a girl” and handed the squirming newborn to my husband, he was smitten.

Nearly a decade later, my daughter’s favourite time is spending time with her Dad.  Especially their evening card games before bedtime.

I have memories of myself at about the same age, climbing into my Dad’s armchair for a bedtime cuddle each night.  As a teenager Dad and I would go exploring in the Bush, discovering hidden waterfalls in the side-streams.  Now, Dad and I enjoy long conversations about everything under the sun.

Romans 8:15 (NIVUK)

The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’

I’ve been told that in Aramaic this is not a formal “Father” that is often implied when the Lord’s prayer is recited, but a more informal address, something like “Daddy”

Luke 11:11-13 (NIVUK)

‘Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’

Heavenly Father.  Daddy.  Protector and provider. A Divine Dad who is smitten, besotted with me. A Dad who loves to spend time with me, who cares about me, who watches me grow and mature. A Dad who meets all my needs (but not necessarily all my wants). You knitted together my chromosomes at the moment of my conception and created me as unique individual.  You planted within my soul a desire to know you more, and gave the gift of your Holy Spirit to enable me to draw into your presence.  Nothing within me is hidden from you, all my dreams and all my failings. 

‘This, then, is how you should pray:
‘“Our Father in heaven…”’