Abba Father

Adapted from the book
I Am: 40 Bible Stories, Devotions, and Prayers About the Names of God
by Diane Stortz

Photo by Jerry Green

Good morning, grandchildren!

I wish I were with you right now so I could give you a
great big hug and tell you how much I love you!

Today’s Scripture is:

Our scripture today is Isaiah 63:16:
"You, O LORD, are our Father."

Jesus told a story in Luke about a father and his two sons, which we call The Parable of the Prodigal Son.

One day, one of the sons asked his father for his inheritance early. (An inheritance is usually given to children after their parents die, but this son wanted his share right away.)

The son made very poor choices with his money. Soon, he had no food or money left. He got a job feeding pigs and was so hungry that he wished he could eat the pigs’ food.

It was then that he realized how badly he had messed up. He decided to go back to his father, ask for forgiveness, and offer to work as a servant to earn his food.

But the father ran to meet him, hugged him, forgave him immediately, and threw a big celebration for his return!

Jesus told this story to show how much our Heavenly Father loves us. Even when we make mistakes, God is eager to forgive us when we turn to Him, just like the father in the story.

Our Father, whom we can call Abba, gives us love, care, and good gifts—even when we don’t deserve them.

Let’s Pray Together

Thank You, God, for being a Good, Good Father! Thank You for loving us even when we make poor choices, and for giving us good gifts and forgiveness. Help us to trust You and follow You every day. We love You! Amen.

Today’s Question:

Can you think of a time you made a mistake and needed God’s forgiveness? How can you remember that He loves you like the father in the story? 💛