In Hebrew the word is ‘Abba’ and the nearest translation in English is daddy or papa or my own dear Father – it’s a name which projects protection, trust and love. Interesting that when babies begin to speak, regardless of whether they are girls or boys, the first word normally spoken is da-da, da-daddy. A little Jewish child speaking Hebrew at the same age would begin to say ab-ab, ab, Abba. Jesus is saying that we are to address the infinite, transcendent, almighty God with the same intimacy, familiarity and unshakeable trust as a child sitting on their father’s lap.

Brennan Manning (adapted), The Furious Longing For God, 2009, Colorado: David C. Cook publishers, p.43-44