"The perception of God's love works the renunciation of selfishness. In calling God our Father, we recognize all His children as our brethren. We are all a part of the great web of humanity, all members of one family. In our petitions we are to include our neighbors as well as ourselves. No one prays aright who seeks a blessing for himself alone. MB 105.1"
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."
The EGW passage directly connects calling God 'Father' with recognizing all people as brethren, which is a principle derived from the 'Our Father' prayer in Matthew 6:9. It expands on the implications of this familial relationship.
"The infinite God, said Jesus, makes it your privilege to approach Him by the name of Father. Understand all that this implies. No earthly parent ever pleaded so earnestly with an erring child as He who made you pleads with the transgressor. No human, loving interest ever followed the impenitent with such tender invitations. God dwells in every abode; He hears every word that is spoken, listens to every prayer that is offered, tastes the sorrows and disappointments of every soul, regards the treatment that is given to father, mother, sister, friend, and neighbor. He cares for our necessities, and His love and mercy and grace are continually flowing to satisfy our need. MB 105.2"
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."
The EGW passage explicitly references Jesus' teaching about approaching God as Father and directly alludes to the 'Our Father' prayer by mentioning the name 'Father.' It then elaborates on the implications of this relationship.
"O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether."
Both passages emphasize God's intimate knowledge and care for individuals. EGW expands on the implications of God as Father, while Psalm 139 details God's comprehensive awareness. The connection is strong and meaningful.
"But if you call God your Father you acknowledge yourselves His children, to be guided by His wisdom and to be obedient in all things, knowing that His love is changeless. You will accept His plan for your life. As children of God, you will hold His honor, His character, His family, His work, as the objects of your highest interest. It will be your joy to recognize and honor your relation to your Father and to every member of His family. You will rejoice to do any act, however humble, that will tend to His glory or to the well-being of your kindred. MB 105.3"
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."
Both passages directly link being children of God with acknowledging and honoring Him. EGW elaborates on the responsibilities and implications of this relationship, directly reflecting the principle stated in 1 John 3:1.