Picture: Alex Guillaume / Unsplash

Someone recently encouraged me to try my hand at poetry. I thought I’d have a go at some reflections on the Lord’s prayer, looking back at some of what God has taught me over the years. In this first poem I reflect on the phrase “Our Father in heaven.”

When I was young I was sometimes told
To talk to God was far too bold:
The God of heaven to draw near, 
To share my thoughts without a fear.

But as I thought upon this prayer
A different God I observed there.
A God who’s big – in heaven, yes;
But also Father - I can address.

Of course for some the label fits – 
Their dad was absent, or misfit.
But that was not what Jesus meant
When he taught these words to present.

Our Father’s good, he loves us so:
He wants what’s best, now this I know.
And in heaven – his power is great,
He can deliver and not be late.

So my dear friend, do not hold back:
In your Father there is no lack.
He wants to hear, whate’er your mood 
And from his Throne to do you good.