'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — August 11

God represents himself as a Father to encourage us to pray. Father speaks of love and condescension. The name Jehovah is majestic; the name Father shows mercy. Our Father is the only wise God, and knows the best way to bring about what is best for us. Earthly parents do not always know how to advise their children, but God always knows what is best for us, and how to best comfort us. He keeps his medicine handy for our fainting (2 Cor. 7:6). He knows when affliction is best, and when it is best to give a bitter potion (1 Pet. 1:6). The Father knows how to make evil things work for good to his children (Rom. 8:28), and he can make a sovereign antidote for poison. Our Father is love (1 John 4:16). The affection of a parent is but a pebble compared with God's love to his children. He gives them the cream of his love: electing, and saving love (Zeph. 3:17). There is no father like God for love. You cannot love your own soul so entirely as he loves you. He gives us unsearchable riches (Eph. 3:8): the hidden manna, the tree of life, and rivers of joy. His treasuries cannot be exhausted: gates of pearls, and pleasures without end. His riches are given, but never exhausted. Our Father is the best father; he gives to his children more than any father could ever bestow. God numbers his children among his jewels. He writes their names in the book of life and will never blot them out (Rev. 3:5). He is not ashamed to be called our God (Heb. 11:16). Christ writes upon us the name of God (Rev. 3:12). What an honour and dignity is this! We have the blessings of God's love and favour, and he is the proper object of our delight, and every true child of God says as Peter; 'Lord; you know that I love you!' (John 21: 16).

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Thomas Watson, The Lord's Prayer, pp. 1-8
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.