In the Lord’s Prayer, it struck me that Jesus didn’t tell us to address God as “God” or “Sovereign King of the Universe” or “Lord” although these are all true descriptions of Him.
Instead, He teaches us to say:
“Abba”
Abba is an Aramaic word that doesn’t have a perfect English translation. It is a word that is even more intimate than Father that expresses affection and endearment.
Abba is closer in meaning to the words “Daddy” or “Papa”.
When I speak the word “Abba” aloud, it reminds me of a baby babbling and saying “Ab-ba”or “Pa-pa”, or “Da-da”. In Kerala, India (where my parents were born), the word for Daddy is “Appa” (which sounds very similar to Abba!)
Just as a little toddler runs and looks up to his father with outstretched arms and says “Dada….Dada”, we can run to our Abba.
In the arms of Abba, His beloved child finds mercy and grace.
~ Liza
