Sermons from Christ & St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Norfolk, VA The 7th Sunday after Pentecost
Jul 27, 2025
Explore the deep intimacy of calling God 'Abba' or 'Daddy,' which contrasts sharply with the more formal 'Father.' This personal address encourages a closeness that enriches the relationship with the divine. Discover how this approach influences prayer and resonates with Jesus' teachings, emphasizing the warmth and love inherent in our connection to God.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Abba Means Daddy, Not Father
- Jesus addressed God as 'Abba,' meaning Daddy or Papa, showing intimacy and affection.
- This contrasts with the formal and distant term 'Father' commonly used in traditional contexts.
Calling God 'Daddy' Evokes Memories
- The speaker tried calling God 'Daddy' but struggled due to ingrained traditional images of God.
- Saying 'Daddy' brought up personal memories and emotions about his own father, leading to new reflections on love.
Prayer as Openness to Grace
- Asking God in prayer means opening ourselves to receive grace, not convincing God to grant favors.
- God's will is loving kindness (hesed) flowing upon creation, and we are agents of this influence.