Most believers think of prayer as a place to bring requests.
Give us.
Forgive us.
Lead us.
Deliver us.
Those requests matter. Jesus taught us to pray every one of them.
But before Jesus teaches us what to ask for, He teaches us who we are talking to.
"Our Father."
That is where prayer begins.
The order matters. Jesus could have started with daily bread. He could have started with forgiveness or guidance for the future.
Instead, He starts with relationship.
Father.
The longer you sit with that word, the more it reshapes everything that follows.
A good father is not someone you persuade to care about you.
A good father already cares.
A good father is not someone you convince to pay attention.
A good father is already attentive.
This is why understanding God as Father changes the way we pray.
Many of us rush into God's presence carrying a list of concerns. We move immediately to the things that are troubling us, confusing us, or weighing us down.
Jesus slows us down.
Before the requests come a reminder: The One you are speaking to is your Father.
Trustworthy. Sovereign. Loving. Wise.
When we spend time meditating on the Fatherhood of God before running through our list of petitions, something begins to happen. Our circumstances have not changed. Our problems are still there. Yet those concerns no longer seem quite as overwhelming as they did a few moments earlier.
Why?
Because prayer reminds us of who is holding those concerns.
Our Father.
And when you realize that the God who rules the universe is also your Father, suddenly you begin to question why you were so worried in the first place.
Perhaps that is why Jesus teaches us to begin here.
Our Father.
Before we think about what we need, He calls us to remember who He is.
And sometimes the greatest change in prayer comes when our hearts are captured by that reality.
Reflection Question
What would change in your prayers this week if you spent a few moments considering who God is as Father before bringing Him your requests?
Further Reflection
📖 Matthew 6:9
📖 Psalm 103:13
📖 Romans 8:15
Prayer
Father, how quickly I rush to my concerns and how easily I forget who You are. Thank You that I come to One who is trustworthy, sovereign, loving, and wise. Teach me to linger over the privilege of calling You Father. When worries crowd my mind and burdens fill my heart, help me remember whose presence I am entering. Shape my prayers by the confidence that You are my Father and that Your care for Your children never fails. In Jesus' name, amen.
I didn’t have a father growing up, so I struggle to know God in that way. I’ve actually been praying about it a lot lately. Thank you, Kelli, for helping me and reminding me so beautifully of what it means to be a good father and what a truly Good Father He is!
Love the shirt. The material it is manufactured with is my favorite… Very soft and comfortable.
Delivery was on time and I have had several compliments and smiles while wearing the T-shirt. Thanks for all you do. Continued success with your business.
I love your t-shirts. So comfortable. Fit perfectly. I love 100%cotton shirts. I am ordering more. I am in love. Thank you so much! Also fast shipping. You are my new favorite company! Sorry about the T-shirt being sideways. I will correct that next time.
Great shirt! Love the quality of the tee shirt. Not thin but just right weight very comfortable fit true to size. Color is exactly as described. I showed my T-shirt at BSF today. The shirt tied in with this study in Romans.
I love it!!!! The color is beautiful, and the fit is exactly as expected. The quality of the sewing is great! I expect this sweater to last for years and years and can’t wait to wear it out. 🥰
Fits to size perfect, didn't shrink. the material is comfortable and seems like it will stand up to time. The communication was good and my order came in a timely matter. However, the shirt needs a good ironing (yes I still iron stuff) my daughters don't get it. I can't wait to wear this to fellowship :)
I love this shirt soooo much! I’ve been eye-balling it for awhile because I love the OT, and I’ve studied the sacrificial system in depth. I also love a little bit of humor and sarcasm, so this shirt had my name written all over it! :) It’s great quality and just as shown in the pic. I wear a 10/12, and I got the medium. It fits just how I would expect (not too small!). I’m 5’4.5”, 160 lbs, and pear shaped, if that helps you pick your size.
My husband wanted this shirt right away lol, and now we’re ordering another couple. Thanks for thinking of these clever phrases. Appreciate the coupons!! Thank you!
The first place I went to with my shirt was a Women's Conference that weekend. The opening hostess made a comment that she was a woman who was more comfortable with a tent peg her hand and if you didn't know what she was talking about read Judges 4. Imagine her delight when I saw her afterwards with my Jael t-shirt!
Love the quality but I just have one huge request and that is to make v-neck shirts available for women. I usually don't buy crewneck T-shirts but I couldn't resist your designs. I'd probably buy more if I could get v-necks, 😉
Good overall experience. Shirt was darker than expected according to stock photos but still a nice shirt. T-shirt material heavy weight feel for those who might wonder, but seems to be a material that will last for a long time.
I love my shirt. I wore it to church yesterday and it was a big hit! I have ordered shirts from ya’ll before and will be ordering again many times. I have to save my money!❤️
Love these shirts! I bought several to wear to the gym mostly as potential conversation starters, but also enjoy wearing them to Bible study too where I know they’ll be appreciated and garner a few smiles.
1 comment
I didn’t have a father growing up, so I struggle to know God in that way. I’ve actually been praying about it a lot lately. Thank you, Kelli, for helping me and reminding me so beautifully of what it means to be a good father and what a truly Good Father He is!