In this Names of God reading plan, we are learning more about God by studying the names given to Him in Scripture. Rather than having our writers share their own reflections on these passages, we’ve instead provided research-rich content to aid in your study of each day’s featured name of God, including the background of the name(s), a brief explanation of the character of God emphasized by the name(s), and a reflection question to help you dig deeper into the text.
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Father
Ab (Hebrew), Pater (Greek)
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 32:1-6, Psalm 68:4-6, Jeremiah 3:19–22, Mark 14:35-36, Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 4:1-7
Description
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He told them to address God as “our Father” (Mt 6:9). When He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, Jesus cried out, “Abba, Father,” using personal and relational names for God (Mk 14:36). Abba is an Aramaic word, from the Hebrew Ab, for “father.” Pater is the Greek word used for “father.”
These are deeply familial names when used to address God. Belief brings us into a close yet respectful relationship with God, the holy Creator of all things. Father is a reverential yet personal name for God.
Emphasis
The personal, familial, and intimate name for God
Reflection
What does this name teach me about God?
God knows me personally. He is an unconditionally loving Father.
God is my True Father. Even when my earthly father may disappoint, my Heavenly Father never will. He is always available, He has an open door policy. I am so grateful to be able to call Him my Father.
I am an Heir because God is my Abba Father…we will never write me out of His will…grateful for His never-ending love and adopting me! ❤️
Today’s reading reminds me that God’s plan for me is personal. He wants the best for me, like my own birth father, even when His plan doesn’t make sense to me. I can’t be short sighted, and I need to see past the small details of pain and hurting (miscarriage) as part of His bigger plan for me.
This is my heart as well. Currently experiencing my second miscarriage in 6 months. Much love!
Thank you, ladies. I truly appreciate your kind words. ♥️♥️♥️
Even though God is the King of the universe, He actively seeks out a personal relationship with me and because of His sacrifice, I am now a beloved daughter and co-heir. He is the most merciful, generous, loving, and capable Father and being close to Him is such an incredible gift. God is so perfect!
Sometimes I feel like an orphan- my mother has passed and my father has not been in my life.
But God…
He reminds me that I am not alone. He is my Father. And when my mom passed, God provided me with “parents” from my church family who have taken me in and and treat me like their own. It’s a beautiful thing. Thank you God for caring for me and providing a family for me through my church. I am forever grateful <3
I have a similar history too. Feeling very loved today and taken care of by our Father. Thanks for sharing.
Just want to say ESP Kelly, Kristen, Churchmouse: thank you for your beautiful truth that added to my study today! I so often with there was a heart or like button on these – only to show how I appreciate the truth shared, how it adds to my worship and understanding … OR to add my prayer to whatever request is shared. The person could see how many of us are praying for her. This used to be a feature years ago. Hmmm, Maybe it is on the app.
Amen my friend! Amen! Whenever I read “father of the fatherless,” ever since my daddy has passed away, it reminds me that I’m never alone in this world.