I’m blessed to have a very close relationship with my dad. We have a very similar type of humor, which means we regularly end up cracking jokes with each other and laughing like little kids. From long car ride conversations, to late night video games, to quick lunch break runs—I love spending time talking with my dad. But as much as I know my dad loves me and cares for me, I know my Heavenly Father cares about and loves me infinitely more.
The Lord God is our Heavenly Father. Because of Christ’s death on the cross, we are accepted into God’s family. In prayer, not only do we get to approach the throne of God as ones declared righteous and redeemed, but we get to come to God as His own children. If you have accepted Christ’s payment on the cross for your sins and have invited Him into your heart and life, you have been adopted as God’s own son or daughter. Isn’t that amazing?
“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10
This passage is Jesus’ recorded words to His disciples after they asked Him to teach them how to pray. This entire passage can teach us a lot about prayer, but consider for a moment these first two words: “Our Father.” Jesus shows us that prayer is relational. We don’t come to God as orphans with no connection to Him; we come to God as His own children. In our relationship with our loving, gracious, and perfect Father, there is no room for fear or shame.
“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.’” Romans 8:15
According to GotQuestions.org, the word Abba “was a common term that expressed affection and confidence and trust. Abba signifies the close, intimate relationship of a father and his child.” This word, Abba, actually means "father" in Aramaic. The Word of God encourages us to use this term when we pray to the Lord, reminding us of the affectionate and intimate Father who listens to us and cares about us deeply.
In good times, in times of trouble, when you’ve messed up, when someone has done you wrong, even when you have a lot on your heart and you just want to talk, the Lord God is right there as your Comforter, your Provider, your Friend, and your perfect, companionate Abba Father.
Prayer Tip #16 - Pray with confidence as a child of God.
Prayer Points - Pray over these requests:
Thank God for adopting you into His family.
Ask God to help you be confident in prayer as His child.
Tell God about something that has been weighing on your heart.
Suggested Prayer - Pray these words in your heart or out loud:
Abba Father,
You are a great and mighty God, and You are also a gracious and loving Father. Lord, I love You and I am so thankful that You have brought me into Your family. Help me not to approach life as a spiritual orphan, feeling like I need to handle everything on my own, but help me to see that You are with me as my Heavenly Father, that You will equip me for every good work, and that You are on my side. I pray that I will never hesitate to come to You, Abba. Give me boldness and confidence, and help me to live a life that reflects You well.
In Jesus’ Name I pray these things, Amen.