When the disciples ask, “How do we pray?” Jesus says, “Pray like this: Dad.” … Muslims don’t use that word. Pantheists, pluralists, polytheists don’t use that word “Dad.” That’s a radical word. My seven year old daughter, she’ll just come sit on my lap. She’s very affectionate, she’ll kiss me on the cheek. “Hey papa daddy, can we go for a walk?” She holds my hand, she wants to go for a walk. So when I get silence and solitude with the Father, maybe His heart feels a little bit like when I go for a walk with one of my kids. My son who is nine comes up to me and says, “Hey dad, something happened at school today. Can I talk to you about it?” I wonder if this is what God feels like when I pray to Him. My son who’s just turned twelve, he’s real smart, he’s got a real complex question, something he’s trying to untie the knot to, he comes to talk to me. I wonder if this is what the Father feels like when I pick up His Word trying to hear His voice.

People are drawn to God in a way they’re not drawn to religion. You’re talking about a Father who loves His kids, who enjoys His kids, who pursues His kids, has compassion on His kids, forgives His kids, and gives gifts to His kids. Tell me more about that dad.

— Mark Driscoll