Our Heavenly Father
ICS Daily Devotions

Matthew 6:9 (NKJV) In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

For those who struggle with prayer, especially young believers, the Lord’s Prayer provides a format to follow. Addressing our Heavenly Father at the start of the conversation gives us a sense of closeness. We live in an imperfect world, so some may not have a good relationship with or impression of their earthly fathers. Therefore, we must clearly understand that we have a good Heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally.

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) Let us therefore come boldy to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

One of the privileges of being a child of God is the ability to come before the Heavenly Father anytime and anywhere. We have been encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace—a place where God dispenses His grace into our hearts to sustain us in times of need. Therefore, we should take every opportunity to approach God reverentially, candidly, and casually, knowing that He loves to have fellowship with us.

We have been invited to come boldly without reservation into the presence of God. Our boldness is based on who we are in Christ, and we have the right to be a child of God after we have received Christ. We must be mindful that we have been given the robe of righteousness when we came into the family of God. We are blessed with all the spiritual blessings in Christ. Therefore, we do not approach God based on who we are or what we have done. Instead, we can come before the Father based on all that Christ has done for us. This position that Christ has obtained for us grants us direct access and boldness, though we are still imperfect in our ways until we reach heaven. Therefore, we should never allow any condemnation of things that we did in the past or recent experiences to hinder us from coming into the presence of the Father. We need to remember that even if we have stumbled, fumbled, or sinned against God, it is always between us and the Heavenly Father. Therefore, don’t allow the devil to talk you out or condemn you that you are unworthy before the Heavenly Father, because we have a Mediator who mediates for us in Heaven—Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 2:5 (NKJV) For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

Jesus mediates for us because He has shed His blood to purchase our redemption and the forgiveness of our sins. Christ’s death on the cross has brought peace between God and men. Therefore, we can rightfully approach God based on Christ’s achievement and not our own works. Call out to the Heavenly Father boldly because you are a child of the living God!

Sermon Series: Lord, teach us to pray