God has sent the Spirit of his Son
into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!
—Galatians 4:6
The Aramaic word, Abba, is an intimate term that was used by Jewish children in addressing their father.
It came to have broader application: each Christian has a close personal relationship—an Abba relationship—with God: “By [the Spirit] we cry, “Abba, Father” (Rom 8:15).
One popular paraphrase renders it, “What’s next, Papa?” That’s too chummy for my comfort, but this word of filial tenderness and trust does open the door for your confident communication with your Father.
Tell him your burdens, that he may comfort you; tell him your desires, that he may purify them; tell him your temptations, that he may help you conquer them; show him your wounds, that he may heal them; tell him how your pride hides you from others—and yourself—that he may help you overcome it.
Abba, Father.
Come close, my child.