Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Taken from Matthew 6:7–15
I received an email from my daughter one day with the heading “Daddy.” She didn’t want anything; she just wanted to talk. We have the privilege of coming to God in the same way. He is our Abba—our Papa, our Daddy.
Prayer is the privilege of the child of God. Notice the language that Jesus used: He told us that our “Father” knows what we need (see 6:8). Prayer is all about a relationship, and prayer is the privilege of those who have this relationship with the Lord.
The Peace, Confidence, and Joy of Prayer
Prayer is a part of most religions. Non-religious people pray too, when they get in a jam. God, of course, hears everything, and I believe that at times He answers the prayers of people who don’t even know Him in order to show them who He is. But God hears and answers primarily the prayers of those who have a relationship with Him. It’s an obligation that He has put Himself under. This brings us incredible peace and confidence and joy.
Prayer Is Not All About Us
Now, while prayer is a privilege for us, remember, it is ultimately about God: “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, amen” (6:13). Prayer is not about us or our wishes or what we think should or shouldn’t be. Prayer is about God’s will, God’s kingdom being advanced.
Now, does this mean that we can’t ask God for things? Certainly not. As children of God, we can come to our Father with our needs and even with our wants, and many times, simply out of His goodness, He will grant us things that we want but don’t necessarily need. He does it because He loves us.
Our Abba Father
However, since the kingdom and the power and the glory are God’s, we should pray, above everything else, for things that pertain to His kingdom, that demonstrate His power, that glorify Him. Prayer is one of the most incredible privileges anyone could ever have. May we avail ourselves of the opportunity to approach God often as our Abba Father.
Draw close to God today and delight in His presence. As you keep your relationship with Him pure and your heart focused on His kingdom and His glory, He will draw close to you and fill you with joy.