John 17:1 – “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said Father…”
Who do you talk with the most? Who do you talk about the most? That person is probably the one you love and lean on the most. While walking on the earth, the Lord Jesus was constantly referring to God the Father. Jesus’ favorite title for God is Father and this is reported roughly 65 times in three gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke). In John’s gospel, Jesus refers to God as Father roughly 100 times. In the longest recorded prayer of Jesus, He begins by praying to God as Father yet again. Our big brother Jesus is modeling some very powerful truths in His prayer. First, we need God like a small child needs their parent. No matter how old we are, we are still the Father’s kids and always need His help. Second, the God of the Bible is relational. The entire concept of the Trinity is that God is relational – one God in three Persons in perfect and eternal relationship. Three, in any relationship, communication is key. When we read the Bible, we are listening to God speak to us. When we pray to God, He is listening to us. Four, as a Father, God hears and answers prayer like any parent – yes, no, later. Just because we do not get God to give or do what we ask does not mean that He is not hearing. Rather, His answer may simply be no or later. It might not be His will, or it might not be His timing.
How is your time listening to God’s Word, and praying to God going each day?
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