Father

In my reading tonight, I came across something I've been pondering a long time.  I have to be careful how I a address it, because my reading also included "Judge Not."

Here goes.  When I hear other people pray I always wonder why they use so many words which I consider to be superfluous.  I'm really bad.  Sometimes I count how many adjectives they put before Father in the opening.  That's bad, right?  I know He's eternal and loving and kind and all those other things.  I guess for me it's kind of a toss-up.  Am I talking to God--the omnipotent ruler of the universe or my dad.  I choose dad.  Who knows?

In Matthew 6:7-9 it says:  But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathen do:  for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.  Be not ye therefore like unto them;  for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.  After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

I think the name Father is the most hallowed thing we can use to address God.  I want my communication with him to be personal.  It's not that I think others are heathen or hypocrits.  I don't.  I concede that I should spend my energy and pondering time on doctrine and not wondering about motives in prayers.  It doesn't matter what I think about how others pray.  It's wrong to care how others pray.  It matters how I pray. 

My Father and I both know I could be doing it more often and with more conviction.  I hope the love I feel for Him comes through no matter how I say it or how often I say it.