Nerys Williams-Murray read this as a meditation in the September Upfront service.  She had written it as part of the Living Word group when they had been looking at the Trinity and she realised she prayed to Jesus, not God.  She tried to find a way to approach God by seeing him as a Father and this was a result of that pondering.

It's been a while, Father, since we talked.  I have not had a direct conversation with you for a long time.  The truth is you frighten me sometimes.  You are so big and powerful and sometimes a bit grumpy. 

I've not been a good daughter lately and I feel ashamed.  My  school report is not as good as it could be.  There are lots of Ds and some fails.  I could certainly do better.  I didn't want to discuss it with you because I was embarrassed.  I hoped that if I avoided you, you might not see my faults, and I could brush it all under the carpet.

So I've been hiding for a while.  I never ran away from home though, because I like it here.  I've just been taking the long route back.  I thought that if I stayed outside a bit longer, that I could avoid you, maybe you'd be out when I got home!

I have never stopped loving or respecting you.  Your opinion matters the most and I want to make you proud.  I've been chatting to Jesus instead; I asked him to pass on some messages to you.  Did you get them?

Jesus told me to go to you and talk to you.  Jesus told me that you never lock the front door, never go to bed early or turn off the light at night.  You always wait up for your children.  You wait for those who are missing, those who are taking the wrong route home or who have left you completely.

Why do you do it?   You must really love your children to wait so long and put yourself out like that?   Jesus tells me you will forgive me and we can pick up where we left off?  Is that right?

I've been daft and selfish.  Well, I am back now and want to try and be a better, more loving daughter.

You're the best father in the world.  You are never absent; you forgive everything and don't withhold your love.  Thank you for waiting for us all.  You don't give u on us and guide and support all your children towards a better and productive life.

I will talk to you soon.

That's a promise.