Should We Call God, “Father God?”

We’ve answered the question about addressing God as “Father God” in an article about the use of “Daddy” as a way to address God the Father. (Read: Does Abba Mean Daddy?) Let’s consider it again.  Should we pray in this way, “Father God. . . “

Father God?

It has been popularized over the past decade to begin prayers with, Father God. You have likely heard this used often, even by very good pastors and Bible teachers, so is it a good way to address the Father?

While there is nothing wrong with addressing God in this way, there are biblical reasons why it is not the best way to address our Heavenly Father.  

• First, nowhere in the Bible is Father God used as a name for God, or as a title for God, or as a way to address God as Father.

• Second, there is a non-Christian religion that uses Father God in some of their writings to distinguish God from another they call Father.

• Finally, we wouldn’t pray to Jesus and address Him as “Son God,” or pray to the Holy Spirit as “Spirit God,” so why would we say “Father God?”

Having made those three points, remember that God is a discerner of the heart and He is more concerned with the intentions of our hearts than with the words of our mouths. 

Honoring God

We should always do our best to honor God in every way. So while it might be better to refrain from using Father God as a title for God (because it is not supported by His Word), God knows your heart. 

That said, I would suggest the best way to address the Father is given to us in the Bible by Jesus’ example:

• Instructing His disciples how to pray, Jesus said:  Matt 6:9  “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
• When Jesus prayed, He said: John 17:1  These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father…”
• In talking to His disciples, Jesus repeatedly referred to God the Father as “your heavenly Father”  (Mat 6:14, 26, 32, Mat 15:13, Mat 18:35, Luke 11:13).  
• The Bible also exemplifies the personal relationship between Father and Son, when Jesus repeatedly referred to the Father as “My Father” (52 times in 51 verses).
• And finally, a most beautiful salutation in prayer: John 17:11  And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

Our Father, Father, Heavenly Father, My Father, Holy Father

However you address God the Father, remember that Jesus also taught us by example that we should address God with a humble spirit, a devoted heart, and a reverence for His name and His Person.  For we know that our God is holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, and He is truly, truly worthy of all honor and glory.  

What About Daddy?  

You might be thinking, should we call God, Daddy?  To answer this, read: Does Abba Mean Daddy? 

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