How do we know that God desires a personal relationship with us through prayer?

Jesus' instruction to call God 'Our Father' in Matthew 6 indicates the nature of our relationship with God. This familial term expresses intimacy and demonstrates that God does not merely see us as His creations but as His children. The belief that through Christ’s redemptive work, we are adopted into God's family means we can relate to Him as a loving Father. It is through prayer that this relationship is nurtured; we speak to Him, share our hearts, and receive His guidance and love. The assurance of His spirit in our hearts, causing us to cry out 'Abba, Father,' emphasizes the genuine connection and personal relationship He desires with each of us.