“Hi Dad,

Just checking in with you. You’re always in the back of my mind, and I do love you even if I don’t tell you often enough!

There isn’t a day goes by that I don’t remember the things that have brought me to this point in my life, how you led me through, your example for me to follow, and the way that you have moulded my life in gentleness and patience. My parent, teacher, mentor, encourager and admonisher

I am hoping that I will reach my goal of maturity very soon, following in your footsteps and accepting my place and purpose in this world.

I know that you have taught me well, and there has never been a time that I haven’t marvelled at your ultimate love, pure faith and Grace.

I just hope that I can achieve the same faultless characteristics and use them as you have shown me. Able to see the good and the beauty in all that each day brings me, rejecting the lies and hatred of negativity and fear. Always willing to take a step back and not react out of hand, especially when situations and people are pushing my buttons. It’s sure sucks to count to hundred before doing or saying something.

There have been times when I have faltered and not been sure that I would get through the day. It’s in those times that I turn to my memories, the words, feelings and just your face smiling at me in reassurance. It never fails to give me hope.

Even after all this time, I still see that I have much to learn, many feelings and thoughts to reign-in and change. Growing up seems awfully hard at times, but then the inevitable, ageing, creeps up on us all.

I am reminded continuously that you spoke strength and belief into my life, never giving up on me, always encouraging and knowing when to be quiet and let me work things out for myself. Tough love from you was acceptance of the consequences of my actions. I have learned so much. I can even think through those consequences now before I even act. That’s progress.

You have also been able to teach me to see beyond the obvious. Never taking things at face value, but questioning what’s driving those situations, feelings or emotions. There is good and evil in this world; I want to see it clearly.

I am rescued daily by your presence in my life. Even though we are physically apart, you are in every breath I take.
Thank you, you are the best, and I am part of you, and we shall always be together.

Love you Dad,
Heather”

Yep, I learnt the Lord’s prayer at an early age, and repeated verbatim all through my Anglican church life, praying it desperately in those times of need or repentance, when my mind couldn’t even join words together to make any sense. It’s always been my fall-back prayer.

Today, when I talk to my Father, I talk as a mature woman – wiser, more worldly and travelled than those earlier years, but still with a child’s heart of gratitude.
My relationship with prayer has paralleled my life’s journey, and still I remain his child, ready to seek advice and guidance.

There’s nothing wrong in praying as the Bible says, just remember it was given as a pattern for conversing with God, not a chant to repeat. It’s not a pre-requisite for a relationship with Him; it’s a means of communication. I’ve just chosen my way; there’s no right or wrong version.

Just talk to him.

There are times when I find myself quietly, meaningfully kneel in my heart with humility, acknowledging the freedom of speaking the word of God into my life.
It never loses its power.

Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.
For yours is the power and the glory
Forever and ever.
Amen

Matthew 6:9