Name of God: Abba
FATHER
Galatians 4:6 - And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
Devotional
In Galatians 4, Paul explains to the Galatians that slavery to the law is not where our salvation comes from. Rather, he points them to something revolutionary: crying out, “Abba, Father.” It can be easy to skim past how powerful that really is. God isn’t a distant figure watching over us, keeping score, or waiting for us to mess up. He is our Abba, and the name Abba means more than just a father-child relationship. It signifies an intimate, close, deeply personal connection. Through the Spirit, we are invited to approach God not as slaves striving to earn approval, but as sons and daughters who already belong.
It seems like a no-brainer that we would find freedom and live our daily lives out of that Abba relationship. However, I’ve found that personally, I often slip back into living like a slave, trying to earn God's approval. I convince myself that if I can just take control of that sin, be a better wife, or pray more, then I’ll be closer to God and earn His full love and approval. But every time I try to take control apart from Him, I fail. I end up putting chains back on that Jesus paid so much to break, striving for that love and approval that has already been earned and given to me through Him.
What would it look like if we truly believed that freedom doesn’t come from trying harder, fixing ourselves, or proving we’re enough, but simply from being in a close, loving relationship with Jesus? What if we actually trusted that God’s love is given when we cry out for who He is, not when we present who we are or what we’ve done? When we live as sons and daughters calling out “Abba,” our faith shifts from religion to relationship—and that’s where freedom is found.
Devotional Prayer Questions
1. What is an area in your day-to-day life where you need to prioritize a relationship with Abba Father, rather than taking matters into your own hands? This could be a sin struggle, relationship, or belief about yourself.
2. What does it mean for our identity when we claim freedom through who He is, rather than who we are?
The Lord's Prayer
Use the Lord's Prayer to guide your prayer time.
“Father”
Lord, we thank you for being our all-knowing, all-powerful Father. Thank you for caring for each one of our needs, more than anyone ever could.
“Hallowed be Your Name”
You are our Holy, Heavenly Father. We praise you for being so close and present to us.
“Your Kingdom come / Your will be done”
Abba Father, you never let us down. Even when it’s hard for us to see, you shine the light in front of us so we can journey forward.
“Give us this day our daily bread”
Lord, please keep us on the path you have set before us. You always supply our every need, and we can always trust you.
“Forgive us our sins…”
Forgive us when we get too eager about the future. Bring us back to the present moment and remember all that you have done for us.
“Lead us not into temptation”
Abba Father, please be with us as we go about our day. When the enemy speaks lies, please come close to us and remind us of who we are in You.
Prayer Requests
After praying through the Lord's Prayer, please pray openly for those around you, our Church, those that are lost and then if you are joining us in person, please pray over a few prayer requests on the prayer cards located on the front of the stage and return them in the basket at the exit.
With Your Family
Prayer is so important for us to develop especially with our family. Throughout the 21 Days of Prayer we want to provide simple prayer prompts that you and your children can pray through that can break down the name of God into an easily understood manner and how we can pray through that. In addition to the prayer below, prompt your children to pray for family, friends, teachers, others in their life and remember to always lead the prayer with gratitude.
Thank God that He is Abba, which means Father.
Abba is a loving, close name, like calling God "Daddy" or "Papa."
Because God is our Father, He loves us perfectly, cares about everything in our lives, and always wants what's best for us.
Thank God today for being the best Father we could ever have.
If you have a father figure in your life, thank God for them.
Communion
If you are joining us in person, please pick up the communion elements provided and take it to close out your prayer time.
Scripture:
Read the following passage before participating in communion:
Mark 14:22-25: And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Prayer:
Take a moment and ask God to examine your heart and reveal any sin that is hindering your relationship with Him. Confess that sin to the Lord. Then, as you read the passage, take a moment to praise and thank God for His body and His blood, and eat the bread and drink the cup.
