When U Pray

Well, I’m a week late with a Father’s Day message—almost on purpose. Last week we took time to celebrate and honor our earthly fathers, and I wanted to be intentional about setting aside time to celebrate our Heavenly Father.

Our Father in heaven is worthy to be celebrated, worthy to be praised, and worthy to be honored. I was looking for a scripture to begin with, and this came to mind:

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
— Matthew 6:9 KJV

Our Father—this phrase alone sends me straight into worship. “Our Father” speaks to the loving relationship we have with Him. It reflects the kindness He shows us, our willingness to surrender to His authority, and the deep truth that He belongs to us and we belong to Him.

Hallowed be Thy name reminds us to keep His name holy, and to live out a relationship with Him that reflects that holiness.

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
— 1 Peter 1:15–16 KJV

This isn’t about judgment or condemnation, but about honoring the Father whom we all—purposefully and thoughtfully—chose to follow. Think about it: no one can make you be in a relationship with God. You walked down that aisle and gave your life to Him. You chose Him in your heart. You decided to give Him a try. Honor your choice.

“For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.”
— Psalm 95:3 KJV

“For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.”
— Deuteronomy 10:17 KJV

“Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.”
— Deuteronomy 7:9 KJV

“But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.”
— 2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV

I think you get the point—Our Father, who art in Heaven, is an amazing Father. He keeps His word and keeps us—even when we are disobedient, even when we’re willful, even when we don’t get it right. Like any good father, He cheers us on, teaches us, and allows us to grow and flourish. But whom He loves, He also disciplines.

“The Lord disciplines everyone he loves; he punishes everyone he accepts as a child.”
— Hebrews 12:6 ERV (Proverbs 3:11–12 referenced)

So today, let’s celebrate a Father who loves us and cares enough to correct us—a Father who cared enough to send the very best.

“Yes, God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him would not be lost but have eternal life.”
— John 3:16 ERV