Our Father, Our Friend

“Abba Father...” Matthew 6:9

In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches us how to pray. We should not babble like pagans, like people of other religions. In 1 Kings 18:26, there is an extreme example of the prophets of Baal calling on the name of Baal, dancing wildly, shouting louder and louder, cutting themselves with knives and swords, all morning up to the evening sacrifice. No answer from their god, Baal. 

In contrast, our Father knows exactly what we need even before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8). We can say the prayer Jesus taught, have a conversation with Him, but we can also stay silent in His presence. Prayer is an expression of our intimate, personal relationship with our Father who knows us and loves us best. Just as we are comfortable being silent with a good friend, or our spouse, or sibling, we can be silent with Abba. The important thing is to give Him time, a space in our heart, and a listening ear.