Teach Us to Cry Out Abba, Father

Our Father,

Humbled by your holiness we approach your throne of grace.

We admit that we are self-righteous.

    We have tried to add our merit to what Christ has done,

    and we have preyed on the moral failure of others.

We admit that we tend to self-loathe.

    We have dismissed what Christ has blessed us with,

    and wallow in our shortcomings.

Spirit, show our hearts that in both circumstances we reject the gospel.

Teach us not to count more on self to be right with you,

   but to rest in that Jesus has made us right with you.

Teach us not to punish ourselves in order to feel better,

   but to accept the grace which you freely give. 

Teach us not to fear that you will be bothered by our need of you,

   but that self giving is your joy and delight.

Hallelujah, we are your children.

Teach us to cry out "Abba Father" more desperately, and more often.

We thank you for Jesus, who taught us to pray this way. 

In his name we ask, and even plead for these things,

Amen.