Should We Call God “Father God?”

Over the past decade, it has become popular to begin prayers by addressing God as “Father God.” You have likely heard this often, even by very good pastors and Bible teachers. So, is it a good way to address the Father?

While there is nothing intentionally wrong with addressing God 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, a title, or a way to address God as Father.

• Second, there is a non-Christian religion that uses “Father God” in some of their writings as a way to distinguish God the Father from Adam, whom they also 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 our intentions than with our words. 

Honoring God

We should always do our best to honor God in every way, and Jesus gave us several examples in the way He addressed His Father:  

• Instructing His disciples how to pray, Jesus said: “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matt 6:9)
• When Jesus prayed, He said: These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father…”  (John 17:1)
• 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:  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.” (John 17:11)

So, while it might be better to refrain from using “Father God” and address the Father as Jesus did, remember, God knows your heart. In whatever way you address God, He knows the reverence you hold for Him.

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, truly worthy of all honor and glory.  

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 1:3)

What About Daddy?  

You might be wondering, should we call God “Daddy?”  To answer this, read Does Abba Mean Daddy? 

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