Have you ever noticed that you call different people by different names? You might call your teacher “Mrs. Johnson” or your pastor “Mr. Bill.” But what about your dad? You probably call him “Dad” or “Daddy” or maybe even “Papa!” Those special names show that you have a close, loving relationship with him.

Did you know that in the Old Testament, people called God by many names like “Lord” or “Almighty God,” but they almost never called Him “Father.” But when Jesus came, everything changed! In the four books about Jesus’ life (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), God is called “Father” about 165 times! That’s A LOT!

But here’s the really amazing part: Jesus used a very special word when He talked to God. He called Him “Abba.” In Jesus’ language (called Aramaic), Abba was the word little children used when they crawled up into their daddy’s lap. It’s like saying, “Daddy” or “Papa.” It’s warm, loving, and personal.

The Bible keeps this special word Abba in three important places: when Jesus was praying in the garden before He died on the cross (Mark 14:36) and two times when Paul explains that we can call God Abba too (Romans 8:15-16; Galatians 4:6)!

Think about this: The God who created the entire universe—all the stars, planets, oceans, and every animal on earth—wants YOU to call Him “Daddy”! When you pray, you’re not talking to some faraway, scary God. You’re talking to your loving Heavenly Daddy who wants to hear everything you have to say!

Take Action: Tonight before bed, try praying and calling God “Abba” or “Daddy.” Tell Him about your day, just like you would tell your earthly dad.