Loving Father

February 5, 2026 

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

All authentic prayer rises out of a love relationship with God. Everything else is just hollow religious words.

When Jesus taught healthy prayer, he intentionally started with Father. Every time you approach God, or even think of him, he wants you to encounter his lavish, extraordinary unconditional love. For this reason he gives you the name, Father to use when you talk with him. 

This is why we emphasize, God's name doesn't lead you to an encounter; God's name is an encounter. And Father is an encounter with his love. 

When you pray, say Father. Start with it. Stick with it. Receive it. Draw from it. Father. Taste it. Let it roll around your tongue. Eat it. Feast on it. Father.

Before you ask him for anything in prayer just say Father.

If your prayer life has become dry and routine, if you run past the Father and head straight for his refrigerator or even his wallet, God now calls you to repent. He wants to simply love you. Bless you. Heal you. Embolden you. He wants to reparent you. He wants to love you, not just when you're praying, but through the day.

Take time right now to receive the love of Father.

Father. Loving Father, I receive your love for me now in Jesus name. Father.

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.