Just Say Father

February 2, 2026 

“When you pray, say, Father." Luke 11:2

Father is the name God calls himself.

When the disciples struck oil by asking Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1), he gave them a surprisingly simple, down-to-earth name to use when talking with God--Father. Just call him Father. Nothing fancy. Nothing cute. And certainly nothing religious. Just Father-- just call him Father. 

Jesus was well familiar with talking to God as Father--He had been doing it for all eternity. But what makes this moment so extraordinary is that now Jesus was actually giving others the same access that he had had forever.

Father actually summarizes Jesus' entire mission. Jesus came to earth so that he would not be the only one who could rightfully call God Father. He now gives you and me that same privilege.

The name you use when you talk to God tells you more about your relationship with him then you may realize. Today, tomorrow, and every day God wants you to call him by the name he chose for himself. 

When you pray say, Father. Just say Father.

Father. Father. Loving Father, using the name you chose for yourself tells me more about myself than I ever realized. Father. As I call you Father, you call me (son or daughter.)

YEAR ON FIRE

© Fred A. Hartley, III

All rights reserved

The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.