We must realize that we are not praying to a father like the one we have known on this earth. We do not pray to an earthly father, but to our heavenly Father. Jesus taught us to pray “Our Father which art in heaven” (Matthew 6:9).

I learned later in life that my biological father abandoned my biological mother just after I was conceived. Actually, there is evidence to suggest that there was no consensual arrangement, that my biological father forced himself upon my biological mother. In 1962 women were not as open to report rape as they can today.

Your earthly father may have some faults and blemishes, too. He may have been absent, or abusive, or short in his abilities to parent you, but don’t let your earthly father define your Heavenly Father.

Fathers on this earth are not always perfect. They are limited in their resources. Our children ask for things, and the truth is, if we could afford it, we’d buy it for them. God is not limited as we are.

We pray to the God who is in heaven. He is not on this earth, but in heaven. All the resources of the universe are at His side, at His use, under His control. He is not in need, in want, unable, inept, or handicapped in any way, like an earthly father may be.

It can be painful to watch your children in need. It is painful when a parent can not give their child what they need, because of lack of funds or capability.

The paralytic parent is heart sick by their inability to play with their child. The poor parent is heart sick by their inability to pay for their child’s educational need. The ill parent is heart sick by their inability to earn a wage for his children’s food.

However, our God is above our world and His throne is a Heavenly throne. He is taking care of these issues of humanity in His plan of redemption, but on this side of eternity, know that your God is not limited in His ability to respond to your prayers.