He is not a set of rules and laws, He is not an invisible “force”, He is not a faceless “power” to be manipulated, He is not a teaching to learn.

God is love, God is a father, God is the Father.

He is an individual personality that created you, me, and all we know. He is a loving Creator watching longingly over a rebellious and hurting creation. He knows both the big picture of His creation and also you, your individual life and your problems.

We don’t force Him to act by praying right, by pleading with Him, by following some rules, not even by appeasing Him. That sort of non-sense is the stuff of religion. The silly notion that we could do something to influence God through our actions goes back to the garden where a snake says “you will be like god!”. We don’t manipulate God! He is not some formula or process or power to be used. He is our dad.

As a dad, He loves us. He knows you and all your problems, and He loves you fully just as you are. You don’t have to earn a father’s love, it is given simply because of the relationship. You, the child, did not create that relationship… He did! He chose to make you, and love you as you are.

Some have not had such an earthly father as an example. Some have had a father who does not love and care freely, some that do not love and care at all. But listen, you do have a perfect father. Even if your earthly father did not exemplify that love, you Do have a father who longs to wrap His arms around you and hold you tight and safe, to provide all that you need, to be your dad.

You Father in heaven knows your every need right now. Prayer does not inform him of anything new. He already knows. You will never surprise Him nor persuade Him. He already knows. He has a plan. He waits for you to step into His plan.

Being fully known and still loved. That is heaven.