For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
These simple words, "by him we cry, 'Abba, Father,'" are revolutionary! Just as Jesus prayed to God, addressing him as "Abba Father,"* we too can speak so frankly and openly with God. The simple syllables "ab-ba-ab-ba" are some of the earliest babies babble. They form the word "Abba," which was used by very young children to speak intimately, respectfully, dependently, and openly with their earthly fathers. The Holy Spirit gives us that same privilege as God's beloved children. We can call the Creator of the universe, the Great God of Israel, the Father of all peoples, the Almighty of eternity, "Abba" when we pray - just like our Savior, Jesus. Incredible!
* Jesus used this term for God when he prayed in the Garden before his death -
Mark 14:36.
Abba Father, thank you for your presence within me through your Holy Spirit. Thank you for letting me address you with such familiarity and boldness, as well as with such respect and dependency. Thank you for being my Heavenly Father for eternity and inviting me to tenderly call you "Abba"! In Jesus' name, I humbly thank you. Amen.
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