ABBA
“Abba, Father, for you all things are possible.” Mark 14:36
From Trevor Hudson, Pauses for Lent:
Abba is the special word Jesus uses to address God. Roman Catholic priest Albert Nolan points out, “As a way of addressing and referring to God, it was unique.” This term combines deep reverence, warm intimacy, and confident trust that displays the kind of relationship Jesus shares with his heavenly Parent.
But Jesus takes this term one step further. Not only does Jesus express this familial relationship with God, but he also wants his followers to do the same. When they pray, Jesus tells his disciples to say, “Father.” They can share in the same kind of intimate relationship with God that Jesus has.
The wonderful news is that we can too! When we open our hearts to the Spirit of Jesus, we are enabled to cry out, “Abba.” Now we also can begin to live as Abba’s children, knowing we are deeply loved and cherished, held in that timeless embrace from which we can never be separated.
Spiritual Practice:
Breathe the name Abba throughout the day. Whisper it over and over. Use the name of Abba to express your intention for Sabbath, to commune with God and Christ, in a time of rest and as you go about the activities of your day. At the end of day, utter the name of Abba in a prayer of thanksgiving.
-- Reverend Dr. Pam Rowley
