Today's Verse: Romans 8:15

Tuesday, March 21, 1961

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
— Romans 8:15
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

These simple words, "by him we cry, 'Abba, Father,'" are revolutionary! Just as Jesus prayed to God, addressing him as "Abba Father,"* we too can speak so frankly and openly with God. The simple syllables "ab-ba-ab-ba" are some of the earliest babies babble. They form the word "Abba," which was used by very young children to speak intimately, respectfully, dependently, and openly with their earthly fathers. The Holy Spirit gives us that same privilege as God's beloved children. We can call the Creator of the universe, the Great God of Israel, the Father of all peoples, the Almighty of eternity, "Abba" when we pray - just like our Savior, Jesus. Incredible!
* Jesus used this term for God when he prayed in the Garden before his death - Mark 14:36.

Video Commentary...

We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Abba Father, thank you for your presence within me through your Holy Spirit. Thank you for letting me address you with such familiarity and boldness, as well as with such respect and dependency. Thank you for being my Heavenly Father for eternity and inviting me to tenderly call you "Abba"! In Jesus' name, I humbly thank you. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

32 Related Resources by Heartlight

Abba, Father
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him,..."
Romans 8:15
Devo: Today's Verse
"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father.""
The Coming Glory
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, creator and re-creator of the world, Whatever I may have to suffer is nothing compared to the glory you will reveal in your people, and...."
No Slave to Fear
Illustration of Romans 8:15
Inspirational illustration of Romans 8:15 -- For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba Father."
See All 32 Related Resources about Romans 8:15

Illustration

Illustration of Romans 8:15 — For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, March 21, 1961

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Paul's Plans Led to Hardship' (Acts 21:4)
"[Paul and his companions] went ashore [in Tyre], found the local believers, and stayed with them a week. These believers prophesied through the Holy...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'My Promises for You!'
"Dear Precious One, The events that led to Paul's journey to Rome and his shipwreck and other problems along the way began in Jerusalem. Some Jews..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Finding Where We Belong' (Jn. 15:1)
"[Jesus continued,] "I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.""
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'The Spirit Gives Life!' (2 Co. 3:6)
"[God] has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant — not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse