Our Daddy, who art in Heaven

You may be accustomed to praying to your “Father,” but today I’m going to encourage you to pray to your “Daddy.”

When my sons address me as “Daddy,” it signifies greater love and intimacy, greater confidence with me. I am their loving protector and benefactor. “Father” sounds like too much respect, stand-offishness, emotional detachment and formality. “Father” is good for dead religion. But if you want answers to prayer, “Daddy” sets a better tone. “Daddy” musters faith.

I believe this is what Paul communicates. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” — Gal. 4:6 (See also Mark 14:36 and Rom. 8:15). You are not addressing an overbearing, unwilling, disciplinary “Father” but a loving “Daddy” whose very heart beats to give what you want and need.

When my kids need new shoes (though I don’t have money), I am looking to see what I can do to get them.I give to my kids as many good things as I can. I prefer to give to them rather than myself. Don’t you think our Daddy in Heaven is that way? I do. Today, address God as “Daddy.”