The essence of the Christian life is knowing and believing in God the Father's love for us (1 Jn 4:16). Jesus was sent to reveal the Father's love (Jn 15:9). The Holy Spirit cries out in our hearts "Abba," that is, "Father" (Rm 8:15; Gal 4:6). When Jesus taught us to pray, He taught us to say "Our Father" (Mt 6:9).
When Satan tempts us, he questions whether we are sons and daughters of God the Father (Mt 4:3, 6). Prayer is primarily expressing and deepening our relationship with our Father through the Son and in the Spirit. Prayer is a preoccupation with our Father's name, kingdom, and will (Mt 6:9-10). Prayer is an experience of our Father as Provider, Forgiver, and Protector (Mt 6:11-13).
When we pray, we should experience love and security because of Abba's daily provision, forgiveness, and protection. For us human beings to function properly, we must constantly breathe in this atmosphere of Abba's love. "God is Love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him" (1 Jn 4:16).
| PRAYER: | Abba, I need Your love more than life itself. |
| PROMISE: | "I have given you in marriage to one Husband, presenting you as a chaste virgin to Christ." –2 Cor 11:2 |
| PRAISE: | Sitting in her heavenly Father's presence gives Jane a "peace that passes all understanding" despite a difficult home life (see Phil 4:7). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College