There are many names in the Bible that describe WHO GOD IS. His attributes are part of His nature; names describe Who He Is. Over the next few days of “21 Days of Prayer” I will describe a few in ABC order. Practice praising Him daily and see how your own list of “Who He Is” begins to grow.
Abba – “Father”
Abba means “Father”, but even more intimate in that it talks of “loving daddy.” A loving daddy is one who can be trusted. It is One we can lean on and come to without shame, knowing He cares about all that concerns us. A godly father has unconditional love. Our Abba “daddy” is One who in the most difficult, grievous, painful days invites me to crawl up into His lap and know His arms will hold me securely.
Scripture: “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” ~ Galatians 4:6
“Abba” is the word for God in the Lord’s Prayer ~ Luke 11:2 and Matthew 6:9
This name for God is in the gospel of John over 108 times and in Matthew at least 40 times. Its use ranges from a father’s authority and discipline, but also a father’s compassion, care, protection, and provision.
Psalm 68:5-6 ~ “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. 6 God sets the lonely in families, He leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.”
Luke 11:1-4 ~ “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’ 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:“‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread.4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
Romans 8:15-17 ~ “15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for calling me your child. Help me to grasp the full meaning of the care for me You extend as a heavenly parent. Teach me to live from my identity as Your beloved child and Your heir. Teach me how to receive your gifts without shame or feeling that I have to pay You back. Thank You. Amen.
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