Becoming a House of Prayerনমুনা

ABBA FATHER

The Lord’s Prayer, given to us directly by Jesus, is truly remarkable. Although concise—just about ten sentences and exactly sixty-six Greek words—it gracefully invites us into that room within the heart where we find deeper intimacy with the Father.

In the original Greek, the Lord’s Prayer begins with the word Pater—“Father.” Jesus places “Father” as the doorway into the entire prayer, reminding us that prayer starts not with our needs, worries, or even worship, but everything flows from closeness with God.

The Aramaic term Jesus used, “Abba,” was deeply personal, a child’s trusting call to their parent. In Jesus’ culture, no rabbi had dared address God with such intimacy. Yet even in the agony of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed: “Abba, Father … everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36, NIV).

Remarkably, the only moment when Jesus didn’t call God “Father” was on the cross:

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, NIV) At that moment, Jesus bore our sins and our separation from God so that we could forever experience closeness and reconciliation with Him.

Paul explains our new identity in Galatians 4:6: “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father’” (NIV). And in Romans 8:15: “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, “‘Abba, Father’” (NIV).

Through Christ, we aren’t merely forgiven—we’re adopted. That means full access, full inheritance, and full belonging. Your Father isn’t distant or indifferent; He delights in you deeply.

As the psalmist says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1, NIV). That secret dwelling is your house of prayer, your meeting place with your Father. It’s where His love replaces your fears and where closeness erases shame. It’s where He invites you home.

Abba Father, Like the disciples, I say, “Lord, teach me to pray.” Shape my life into a living house of prayer, where every thought, every breath becomes an offering. I believe You are already waiting for me in each room. Thank You for the invitation. I say yes. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

This plan is presented to you by Becoming a House of Prayer by Eric Célérier. To learn more about this book, please click here.