Hello Love

Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. (Romans 8:15-16, NLT)

Last week, our eldest son, Kirk, posted a video of our granddaughters riding around in one of those little battery‑powered Jeeps. The four‑year‑old, Blair, was gripping the wheel with all the seriousness of a seasoned driver. The two‑year‑old, Georgie, was simply delighted to be along for the ride.

Twice in the video, Georgie looked up and said, “Hi Daddy.”

And twice, our son answered her. I can’t remember the first reply, but the second one stayed with me. He said, with that unmistakable warmth only a parent can give: “Hello, my love.”

There was something holy in that moment. A child calling out. A father responding. Not with formality or distance. But with affection. Identity. Belonging.

Paul tells us that when we pray, we cry out “Abba” — Daddy, Father — and the Spirit assures us that we are God’s children. Prayer is not a performance. It’s not a ritual we have to get right. It’s the simple, honest cry of a child who knows where to turn.

And God’s response is never cold or mechanical. He doesn’t just acknowledge us. He claims us.

When we whisper, “Hi Father,” He answers, “Hello, my love… You are mine.”

So today, as we pray — whether with eloquent words or with the simple, childlike joy of our hearts — may we remember who we’re speaking to.

And even more, may we remember who we are to Him.

Answered.

Claimed.

Held.

Beloved.

Gracious Daddy, thank You for the gift of calling out to You with the honesty of children. Thank You that every prayer — whispered, spoken, or held quietly in our hearts — is met with Your steady, loving reply. Remind us today that we are not strangers but Your beloved sons and daughters. Let Your Spirit speak that truth into us again and again, until it becomes the ground we stand on and the hope we carry. As we go into this day, help us to listen for Your voice, trust Your presence, and rest in the love that claims us as Your own. Amen.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Tim