Use it for any respected religious leader

No one on earth should receive that father-title

The verse permits several earthly father-figures

Keep God's fatherhood first, and do not place any person in that absolute role

Use father as a polite title for any respected mentor

Stop honoring earthly parents because only heaven matters

Give the title to the most respected spiritual leader

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and have lived for myself. I turn from my sin and ask for your mercy. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I confess you as Lord and ask you to bring me into the Father's family and teach me to live under the one Father in heaven. Amen.

Come into the Father's Family

Father in heaven, revive your Church to live under your care with humility and joy. Free us from pride, from chasing human honor, and from giving people the place that belongs to you alone. Make us a people who point others to you, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Renew Your Church's Humility

Father, keep me from craving titles, status, or approval from people. Teach me to honor others well without placing them where only you belong, and let your fatherly care steady my heart today, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Keep My Heart Humble

Pray by naming the person, role, or voice you tend to treat as final. Ask God to put that influence in its proper place, to remind you that he alone is Father, and to show you one humble step to take today.

Pray for Reordered Loyalties

Father in heaven, thank you that your care is not limited by human status or titles. Thank you that you alone are the Father who can hold my life secure, and thank you for welcoming me by your grace, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Thank You for the One Father

Pray for parents, mentors, pastors, and teachers: that they would serve with humility, never seek the honor that belongs to God alone, and lead people toward the Father in heaven.

For Parents, Mentors, and Teachers

καὶ{KE###KEH###and} πατέρα{pa-TE-ra###pah-TEH-rah###father} μὴ{MEE###MEE###not} καλέσητε{ka-LE-see-te###kah-LEH-see-teh###call} ὑμῶν{ee-MON###ee-MOHN###your} ἐπὶ{e-PEE###eh-PEE###on} τῆς{TEES###TEES###the} γῆς,{YEES###YEES###earth} εἷς{HEES###HEES###one} γάρ{GAR###GAHR###for} ἐστιν{ES-teen###EHS-teen###is} ⸂ὑμῶν{ee-MON###ee-MOHN###your} ὁ{HO###HO###the} πατὴρ⸃{pa-TEER###pah-TEER###Father} ὁ{HO###HO###the} ⸀οὐράνιος·{oo-RA-nee-os###oo-RAH-nee-ohs###heavenly}

Matthew 23:9 — FormalTAB

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