How Stuff Works: PrayerSample

In both of today’s Bible readings, can you spot the common theme? They talk about us being adopted—welcomed—into God’s family because of what Jesus has done on the cross. His life, death, and resurrection have reconciled us to God. That means the relationship between us and God has been restored—fixed—after being broken by sin.

The key point here is that prayer is relational. When we pray—when we speak to God—we build into that relationship. And the amazing thing is, we get a glimpse of how God actually welcomes us. In these verses, God is shown to us as Abba Father, which is like calling God “Daddy.”

Now, I haven’t called my own dad “daddy” for about 35 years, and honestly, it’s not a term I’d use again. It feels childish, right? Like we’re little kids again—completely dependent, needing our dad’s help, protection, love, affirmation, and care.

I’ll be honest—this is something I’ve wrestled with. As a man, I like to think of myself as strong, independent, and self-reliant. Calling God “Daddy” feels like admitting I still need that kind of care.

But here’s the thing: that’s exactly the point.

God—the Creator, the King, the one who holds everything together—welcomes us not just as followers, but as sons and daughters. As children. He invites us to come to Him in that way, with that kind of closeness.

He wants a relationship with you. He wants you to ask Him about life, what to do next, how to handle things, where to go, and what really matters. He cares. And He wants to be with you. That blows my mind.

This is the same God who, just by speaking, put the sun and moon in place. The one who called the stars into being. He sustains everything we know and is shaping a future that won’t fade, break, or wear out. He knows your beginning and your end. He’s counted every hair on your head (or lack of hair, in my case), and He knows you fully. And still—He wants you to know Him more, and to trust Him.

Maybe you’ve prayed before, and like me, it’s come and gone in waves. Maybe it’s been a long time since you last spoke to God, and you’re not sure how to start again.

I remember once bumping into an old mate I hadn’t spoken to in years. We didn’t spend ages talking about why we lost touch or whose fault it was—we just started chatting again like no time had passed.

I think it’s a bit like that with God. Don’t stress about the reasons or how long it’s been. Just start talking again.