Abba

Abba is an Aramaic word that literally means “father” but is emotionally equivalent to “papa.” It is a very warm and intimate term that nevertheless demonstrates respect. Middle Eastern people often used this term when addressing God in prayer. It is the same endearing term that a child would use of his father, or that a disciple would use with a well-loved teacher. It can be found used in this manner in the Babylonian Talmud.

The Jews developed a view of God that was so cold and distant that they found it impossible and nearly blasphemous to use “Abba” in prayer. Jesus, however, called God his Father.

• Mark 14:36 HCSB And He said, "Abba, Father! All things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will."

The Master gave the same right to us.

• Matthew 6:5-15 HCSB "Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They've got their reward! But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you pray, don't babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they'll be heard for their many words. Don't be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him. "Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.] "For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don't forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing.

Paul understood our relationship with God as being one of adoption. Because He has adopted us we now can address God as our dear heavenly Father.

• Galatians 4:6 HCSB And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba, Father!"

Our adoption into His family brings with it certain rights and privileges.

• Romans 8:15 HCSB For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father!"