Fireworks and Prayer

 A few weeks ago, Kris, Bree, Carolina, Isaac and I celebrated the dedication of Veterans Park in Alabaster. It was a fun day in a beautiful park. We watched skydivers bring in the flag which was escorted to its pole by a squad of local veterans. There was live music, inflatables for the kids, old friends to visit with and food?lots of food. When evening came most of the folks settled in to watch a movie shown on a large outdoor screen and Kris and I strolled the park with a restless fifteen month old.

     The grand finale of this community celebration was a fireworks display. Bree, Carolina and I have always been big fireworks fans. I was anxious to see if the gene had been passed to Isaac. I held him in my arms as the display began with one very large, very loud burst. Isaac?s immediate reaction was not delight but fear. He wrapped his arm around my neck, his heart raced and he called out ?Daddy.? So, I held him closer, rubbed his back and talked to him calmly. Within a few minutes, his heart slowed, his grip loosened and he was enjoying the show ? pointing at each burst and saying ?ight?. 

     Reflecting on that evening, I understand why Jesus taught us to pray the way that he did. When Jesus prayed, he did not call upon Yahweh or Elohim but he prayed to Abba (which is best translated Daddy). This is a concept that has always been uncomfortable for me. Who am I to call God Almighty by a name as familiar as Daddy. It feels disrespectful, almost blasphemous. But Jesus knew. Jesus knew that times will come that will absolutely blow us away. We will find ourselves in events for which we have no history and no idea how to handle. There will be times when tears will fill our eyes, our hearts will race and fear will cover us. Jesus knew. So he taught us to pray Abba. Jesus knew that there will be times when only the closeness of being held tight by a loving parent can comfort us, slow our hearts and relieve our fears. Jesus knew.

     Thanks be to God, we have an Abba

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tom