Since the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are equal in substance and nature – therefore comprising the one God – then when we pray, we are involved with and praying to all three. Yet, sometimes, depending on the situation, I’ll direct a prayer to only one of them, but always in the name of Jesus.

For instance, before I begin to write, oftentimes it’s the Holy Spirit who I’ll ask for help. I do that because I see His role as the counselor who inspires. Sometimes, feeling thankful and especially when feeling weak, I focus on Jesus. I see Him as my rescuer, minister and sustenance. Other times, it’s the Father I’ll call upon when in I’m in a praise mood, or when needing a hug and/or seeking protection from enemies, both spiritual and human. I view Him as a parent and the general who directs all.

I’ve found that I steer my prayers like that when my length of speaking is usually short, sometimes microwave quick. I’ve never sensed that it is wrong when I pray in this way. For deep down, I believe that when I pray to one, I’m actually praying to all— the triune God.

However, having said that; most of the time, the Father is the one I envision when approaching the throne in prayer. I’ve observed that most Christians do the same. That’s probably because of the protocol set by Jesus.

When His disciples asked how they should pray, Jesus gave a pattern based on the roles within the Trinity. He directed us to address the Father (Matthew 6: 9). From other parts of scripture, we learn that we should talk to the Father, giving thanks and making requests, in the name of His Son, our big brother (John 15: 16; 16:23; Ephesians 5: 20). Furthermore, we’re taught that it is being in the Spirit that brings us before the Father (Romans 8: 26).

Again, I don’t think it’s wrong to address any one of the three during certain times. The Three knows that we’re really addressing the One. Nonetheless, we do want to be mindful of the laid-out heavenly policy. It’s a policy that is appropriate at any time, but which is especially meant for us to follow when engaging in intimate, extended quality time of devotional prayer.

That policy is to pray to the Father, in the name of Jesus-the Son.

Amen!