I can't imagine any relationships in life that are closer than those of family.

Most of us had happy childhoods and as adults still have good relations with surviving parents and or brothers and sisters.

Looking at family photos from many years ago I find myself remembering happy and safe times with parents who loved me.

I confess that at times my older brother and younger sister could only tolerate me because of my misbehaving in the family home.

Now that I have given my parents and brother into the care of Jesus—until my time comes to go to heaven—I sorely miss their company.

As an adult I came to appreciate my parents greatly and—with them gone ahead to the city of God—I long for the reunion.

The prayer Jesus taught had two sets of three petitions.

The first three requests refer to the glory of God and the last three refer to the good of the one praying.

When Jesus began His lessons on prayer, He first taught the disciples to address God as "Father".

We who believe in Jesus are to look upon our Creator as our Father.

Even if we did not have a good example in our earthly father, we all can imagine what it takes to be a good father.

Among the things that come to mind as we use the name "father" are strength, care, affection, and protection. The term is one that brings to our minds love and acceptance.

God is all this and so much more.

I do not think that Jesus could have used a better term for us to address God by than the word "Father".

As you pray today, remember that the God Who made you wishes you to be intimate with Him, and so you are invited to call Him "Father".

Come as you are, come as a needy child, come calling on Him to protect you and provide for you this day and He shall lovingly hear and respond with the necessary grace.