A Lighter Way Week 11: Meeting Abba in the Lord’s Prayer
Aug 01, 2026Reflection
Growing up, I had the best dad in the world—or at least I thought so. I imagine many of you feel the same way about your dad. He loved me well. He was kind and accepting, and when he had to discipline me, I always knew it came from love. I never felt shamed by him. I always felt loved.
Because of that, it was easy for me to believe that God, my Abba Father, loved me too. I never questioned that He was kind, comforting, and always there for me.
I know not everyone has that story. Some of you may not have had a dad who made you feel safe or loved. If that's your experience, I hope you'll hear this: Abba God wants to show you what a loving Father really is. He is gentle, faithful, patient, and His love for you never changes.
When Jesus taught us to pray, "Our Father," I think He was inviting us into that kind of relationship—a relationship built on love, trust, and closeness, not fear. Then, as we pray those familiar words, He reminds us how we're to live with each other too: forgiving, extending grace, depending on God, and looking for God’s kingdom here on earth.
I don't think it's an accident that every Sunday, all around the world, Christians pray the Lord's Prayer. Together, we call on our Abba, Father, and ask Him to help us live His kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven." If we really lived that prayer every day, I think our homes, our churches, and our world would be much sweeter places.
Practice
Take a few minutes today to think about your relationship with your dad or with someone who was like a father to you. Has that relationship shaped the way you think about God?
Then, sometime this week, pray the Lord's Prayer slowly. Don't rush through it. Let each phrase remind you that you are talking with your Abba Father, who loves you more than you can imagine.
Blessing
May the love of your Abba Father surround you, go before you, walk beside you, and gently rest upon you. May you know Abba’s comfort, trust Abba’s heart, and rest in the joy of being Abba’s beloved child.
Amen.
This eleventh reflection comes from Donna Mikhail, a graduate of WTC's School of Spiritual Direction.
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