We are not alone. The One who made the earth, the stars, and everything else—He is our Father and He is with us.

His heart toward us is fatherly in nature, and making this discovery—realizing the depths of His heart toward us—is a precious thing. He does not hide this part of Himself, but some of us have trouble seeing it because of wounds and the brokenness we’ve lived through.

Do you need a fresh encounter with the Father-heart of God?  

Here are three beautiful glimpses of the Father’s heart and some ideas of how you can pray about them.

God the Father is favorable toward you. All His heart is for you.

The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. (Ps. 103:13 NLT)

If your child asks you, his father, for a fish, would you give him a snake instead? Or if your child asks you for an egg, would you give him a scorpion? Even though you’re evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children. So how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him? (Luke 11:11–13 GW)

Does your heart believe this is true—that God is a good Father? That He’s trustworthy? That you can expect Him to be a good Father to you, even after you’ve messed up? He knows how to father you so beautifully.

Here’s one way you can pray about these precious verses:  

“Father God, this is exactly who You are for me! This is what You’re doing in my life and how You’re treating me. You are my Father, and You are tender toward me. You are filled with compassion toward me, and I can rest in Your love. You know exactly what I need—even more than I do—and Your heart is open toward me. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

God the Father has good plans and intentions for His kids.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer. 29:11 NIV)

We’ve talked about Jeremiah 29:11 several times, but it is a perfect description of the Father heart of God toward you. This is what His heart looks like.  

If you feel like Jeremiah 29:11 is not true for you, you may want to spend some time meditating on this verse and asking God what it means for your life. Even earthly fathers (when they are healthy) want good things for their children. They want their children to have the best and for them to be filled with hope. How much more your Father in heaven wants these things!

Here’s one way you could pray about this verse:

“Father God, I acknowledge in faith that You sincerely do have good plans for me. Thank You for them. Your Word says You intend to prosper me and not to harm me. You have plans to give me a good future and to fill me with hope for that future. When I look at You, I feel more alive than I did a moment ago. That is what You’re like for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

God the Father is close to those who feel like orphans or are grieving.

God is in his holy Temple.
    He is a father to orphans.
    He defends the widows.
God gives the lonely a home.
    He leads prisoners out with joy. (Ps. 68:5–6 ICB)

Do you feel like an orphan? Do you feel cut off and alone? Where have you suffered a horrible loss, and where are you still grieving? God is tender toward all those who feel lost and unprepared. He is the Caretaker of those who don’t know what to do and those who are in pain. He is the Comforter of those struggling with sorrow. Psalm 68:5–6 is what God the Father is like for you on a daily basis.

Here’s one way you could pray about this verse:

“Father God, You are the One who hugs me in the places where I am hurting. You are with me when I feel confused and lonely, and Your heart is to bring me comfort and companionship when I am lonely. Where the enemy has taken me captive, You are in the process of setting me free with great joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

This Father’s Day…

I looked forward to your calling me “Father,” and I wanted you never to turn from me. (Jer. 3:19 NLT)

This year in the United States, Father’s Day is June 17. If you are celebrating this day, remember the truth about your heavenly Father and how much He loves you. Show Him your love in return. He is a better Father than anything we could expect—no one compares to this gentle, tender, loving God who is absolutely delighted with you, His child.

Your heavenly Father loves you more than you realize! Check out these other devotions:

• Simple Reminders of God’s Father Heart

• The Kindness of God When Your Heart Is Weary

• 3 Prayers When You’re Afraid

• June Encounter Week

For more information on sex, marriage, and finding the person who is right for you, get a copy of Becoming the One by Salomé Roat. Click here to learn more. The book is also available in Spanish.