Abba Father

Romans 8:15: For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

The Aramaic word “Abba,” which means “Dear Father” in the sense that we might say “Dad” or “Daddy,” was never used by the Jews to address God, nor do they use it today. We believe it was the word he used in the Aramaic original of what we call “the Lord’s prayer.” And here in Romans the Holy Spirit compels us to cry, “Abba, Father!” Galatians 4:6 says, “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” It is not a reasoned cry, but a reflexive one, the cry of children. Can anything be more beautiful in this world of cold steel and computers? Jesus, through the Spirit, has given us his own special name for God, and it has become our natural cry to a loving Father. Could we offer anything more enticing than this to a lonely world? Many have never known a meaningful relationship with an earthly Father. Or some have, but now he is gone. God offers his soul-satisfying paternity to all who come to him. “Abba, Father.”. ¹

Application

• Read the prayer Jesus taught in Matthew 6:9-15. Replace Father with “Daddy.”
• Does your understanding of “Abba” now draw you closer to Jesus in prayer?

Prayer

Lord, thank You so much. You not only saved me, but You also adopted me for all eternity, therefore, I can most respectfully call you “Daddy” or “Papa.” I love You!